I often recommend ear moxibustion to women experiencing postpartum discomfort. A study published in August 2025 provides scientific support for this approach, so I’d like to share it with you.
Researchers from Xuzhou Medical University conducted a randomized clinical trial titled “Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) for Postpartum Uterine Contraction Pain in Elective Cesarean Section.” The study investigated the effects of taVNS on postpartum uterine contraction pain in women who had undergone elective cesarean sections.
The trial involved 156 women, who were randomly assigned to receive either taVNS or sham stimulation three times during the three days following surgery. Results showed that the taVNS group experienced significantly lower uterine contraction pain and incision pain scores compared to the control group.
Secondary outcomes included postpartum anxiety, depression, recovery quality, and sleep quality. Women in the taVNS group showed lower anxiety and depression scores, and higher recovery and sleep quality scores (on postoperative day 3 and day 2, respectively) than those in the sham group.
Based on these findings, the research team concluded that “taVNS may be a safe and effective treatment to relieve postpartum uterine contraction pain and promote recovery in women after cesarean section.”
taVNS works by delivering mild electrical stimulation to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, which connects the brain with major organs and plays a key role in activating the parasympathetic nervous system—responsible for relaxation and healing. The ear is the only external part of the body where the vagus nerve is accessible, making this form of stimulation both effective and minimally invasive.
Similarly, ear moxibustion can provide comparable benefits. The Shao Ear Moxibustion Device, which I developed, gently warms the entire ear without the need to locate specific acupoints. It uses a safe clip design and a special herbal moxa blend—mugwort enriched with pine resin and cinnamon—for enhanced efficacy while minimizing smoke and odor.
With regular use, this gentle therapy can provide powerful support for your body’s recovery after childbirth. I encourage you to try it and feel the difference for yourself.