What is moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique in which mugwort herb is burned to energetically heat the body’s acupuncture points. Moxa sticks are the shape and size of a cigar. The practitioner lights one end of the stick and holds it for several seconds near the skin. The patient will experience a pleasant heating sensation that penetrates into the body. Another method is to attach small pieces of moxa on the ends of the needles to send heat deep into the acupoints. Due to the pungent odor of the herb, smokeless moxa is commonly used.
How does moxibustion work?
By heating acupoints, moxibustion changes the body’s thermodynamics to warm meridians, eliminate phlegm and blood stasis, dispel congestion (damp) and boost immunity. Moxibustion has been used to prevent and cure diseases, as well as increase vitality and longevity for more than 2500 years.
Who would benefit from moxibustion?
Moxibustion is helpful for pain due to injury or arthritis, especially in “cold” patterns where the pain naturally feels better with the application of heat; digestive problems, gynecological conditions, including breech presentation in late term pregnancy, as well as any issue where there is swelling, phlegm or congestion.
