Feasibility and barriers of utilizing moxibustion therapy in Hong Kong: a qualitative study

Moxibustion is widely used in mainland China but rarely used in Hong Kong. This study was conducted among traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners in Hong Kong to collect and explore their experiences and views on the barriers to and possibilities of using moxibustion in Hong Kong.

This qualitative study was conducted via semi-structured individual interviews. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit 13 TCM practitioners who have clinically practiced in Hong Kong for 2 years or more. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, and the data were subsequently analyzed using template analysis.

Three main themes were identified as follows: (1) expectations of moxibustion use in Hong Kong, (2) barriers to moxibustion use in Hong Kong, and (3) possible solutions to enhance moxibustion use in Hong Kong. For the expectation of moxibustion use, the subthemes were (a) merits of moxibustion therapy, (b) effectiveness of moxibustion therapy, and (c) applicability of moxibustion in Hong Kong. For the barriers to moxibustion use in Hong Kong, the subthemes were (a) limits of moxibustion use in clinics, (b) limits of self-help use of moxibustion, and (c) limits of local TCM practitioners' experience of practicing moxibustion. For the suggestions to enhance moxibustion use in Hong Kong, the subthemes were (a) improvements in moxibustion and its accessories, (b) clinic upgrade, (c) government support, and (d) promotion of self-administered moxibustion.

Moxibustion is anticipated to gain traction in Hong Kong due to its acceptability and feasibility for clinical and self-help applications, its broad applicability across diverse populations and medical conditions, and its suitability for the Hong Kong climate. Barriers to its clinical use in Hong Kong include strict fire safety regulations for buildings and high labor costs. The public's lack of understanding of moxibustion practice and knowledge in managing potential adverse events limits its self-use. Moxibustion could be promoted in Hong Kong by improving moxa quality and moxibustion equipment, optimizing the layout and ventilation of clinics, refining government support, and popularizing self-administered moxibustion.