Currently, the more popular form of moxibustion in many countries including China is the indirect form, because there is a much lower risk of pain or burning. Indirect moxa is considered to induce a gradual localized vasodilatation response. In addition to increasing the local blood flow, skillful indirect moxibustion is extremely comforting and can create a deep relaxation response. There are different types of indirect moxibustion:

Suspended Moxibustion
It is a type of moxa-stick moxibustion, in which a practitioner lights one end of a moxa stick (roughly the shape and size of a cigar) and holds it an inch or two away from the skin, usually around the inserted needles to bring mild warmth to the area without burning, until the skin becomes slightly red. The intensity of the heat is adjusted according to the patient’s condition and comfort.

Moxibustion with Moxa Tube
It consists of a cylindrical pipe filled with moxa or thin moxa stick. There is a cavity between the moxa and the skin’s surface, permitting the indirect administration of heat stimulation.  The thermal heat emitted by a single application of the moxibustion lasts approximately three minutes. It can be conducted relatively easily and safely; thus it has been widely used as a home therapy in some countries, including Japan.