Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which dried plant materials called "moxa" are burned on or very near the surface of the skin. The intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi in the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences.

Moxa is usually made from the dried leafy material of Chinese mugwort (Artemesia argyi or A.vlugaris), but it can be made of other substances as well.

FAQ

Do I need to have moxibustion?

It depends. Moxibustion is usually used to treat pain due to injury or arthritis, especially in "cold" patterns where the pain naturally feels better with the application of heat
It can also be used to alleviate digestive problems, gynecological and obstetrical conditions (including breech presentation in late term pregnancy). Moxibustion can also be used to boost patient's immunity and provide protection against cold and flu strains or to build up strength for patients who undergo chemotherapy. In our clinic, we often do both acupuncture and moxibustion in the same clinic session when appropriate to the diagnosis and treatment strategy. We believe that the therapies increase each other's effectiveness when used together.

What should I expect during moxibustion?

It is not uncommon for patients receiving moxibustion to report a sudden flooding of warmth that quickly radiates along a specific pathway (usually corresponding with the channel that is being treated) away from the site of application. This is a good result, as it indicates the arrival of the Qi and signals that the flow of Qi and Blood has been freed in the channel.

What exactly does the practitioner do?

In the U.S., practitioners generally hold a burning moxa stick close to, but not touching, the surface of the skin. In this method, the moxa material is compressed into a stick or pole, looking not unlike an oversized cigar that can be lit and allowed to smolder, producing a unique form of very penetrating heat. The smoldering moxa stick is held over specific areas, often, though not always, corresponding to certain acupuncture points. The glowing end of the moxa stick is held about an inch or two above the surface of the skin until the area reddens and becomes suffused with warmth.