My cones and me.

My cones and me....I need to reflect on the cones and their variables: a) Size of the cone. This is an aspect to work to adapt our cones to the situation of the patient and the technique that we will perform. Conventionally there is a range extending from the thread cone size to the "mouse deposition cone". Exceptionally, there are the Fukaya's cones based on the size of rice grain but slightly taller. General rule: as smaller the cone, more stinging. As bigger the cone, more burning sensation. b) Form of the cone. The cone should grow perpendicular to the point. A common mistake among beginners is to make L-shaped cones, but that error is usually caused by problems in cutting the cone.

c) Density of the cone (I recommend to read the article "How does moxa work?" by Jenny Craig and Merlin Young in NAJOM (North American Journal of Oriental Medicine) number 51 volume 18 March 2011. In that article, they are researching on the control of dosing and the thermal effects of the application of direct moxibustion). General rule: as tight are cones, slower combustion. Spongy cones, faster combustion. d) Consistency in construction. The cone should be firm. e) Quality of moxa used. The quality of the moxa is directly related to the speed of combustion. High quality moxa (ideal Japanese moxa) has two main properties: fast combustion and allows a good rolling of the cones. That is one link to Kobayashi-Rouho Company, they produce high quality moxa (site in english and japanese. In their site you can see graphic descriptions of manufacturing process) f) Level of essential oils. The age of the product is a condition for the amount of essential oils. In the Japanese clinical appearance (and traditionally) of direct moxibustion, it's more importance to get the burn that to have good oils. Anyway, quality moxa always have years of drying. These are some of the variables of the making of the cones, enough to reflect on your cones. There are other variables in the ignition and in the off, on the use of other tools such as the tube or adhesive-protective substances but... this will be issues for other posts. Thanks to Adam McIntosh who also reflects about the cones in the same Najom's issue as Jenny and Merlin.