Hip Pain

Moxibustion applies heat stimulation to acupoints related to the hip joint and kidneys, such as Huantu (GB30), Shenshu (BL23), and Guanyuan (CV4), to increase local blood flow and relieve muscle stiffness. It is particularly effective for hip pain accompanied by cold sensations, morning stiffness, and conditions aggravated by cold environments. Cupping applies negative pressure to the fascia surrounding the hip joint to move stagnant blood and waste products to the surface of the skin. Moxibustion, being a heat stimulus, is contraindicated during the acute inflammatory phase (redness and fever); in such cases, cooling pharmacopuncture is the priority. Moxibustion and cupping are typically applied for 10 to 15 minutes as adjunctive therapies following acupuncture treatment. Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective Moxibustion is a representative external treatment that replenishes the body's warm energy and expels cold energy. The hip joint is a point where various meridians running through the flanks and legs intersect; applying moxibustion to this kidney-nourishing spot directly replenishes the kidney's warm energy, thereby treating bone weakness caused by kidney deterioration at its root. Cupping plays a role in enhancing the effectiveness of acupuncture by drawing stagnant blood to the surface when circulation is blocked and blood is congested. At Dongjedang, we create an optimal treatment environment by varying the combination of moxibustion, cupping, and cold acupuncture according to the patient's condition—whether the pain is caused by cold or dampness or by heat, and whether it stems from weakness or blockage.