To reprimand or punish severely; figuratively, to give someone a stern warning or discipline.
度重なる遅刻に対して、上司が部下に灸を据えた。
In response to repeated tardiness, the boss gave the employee a stern reprimand.
不正が発覚した部署に社長自ら灸を据えた。
The president personally disciplined the department where wrongdoing was discovered.
子どもの悪い習慣を直すために、親が時には灸を据える必要がある。
To correct a child's bad habits, parents sometimes need to give a stern warning.
To apply moxa (burned mugwort) to the skin for therapeutic treatment (literal, original meaning).
腰痛のために鍼灸院で灸を据えてもらった。
I had moxibustion applied at the acupuncture clinic for my lower back pain.
昔は家庭で灸を据えて治療することが一般的だった。
In the past it was common to treat ailments at home by applying moxa.
医師が患部に灸を据えて炎症を抑えた。
The practitioner applied moxa to the affected area to reduce inflammation.