What is moxibustion?
Moxibustion is as much part of Traditional Chinese Medicine as acupuncture. The actual Chinese character for acupuncture, translated literally, means ‘acupuncture-moxibustion’.
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of the herb Mugwort to facilitate healing. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years. The purpose of moxibustion is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health.
How does Moxibustion work? Does it hurt?
There are two types of moxibustion:
- Direct: In direct moxibustion, a small, cone-shaped amount of moxa is placed on top of an acupuncture point and burned. (See left photo below)
- Indirect:In indirect moxibustion, a practitioner lights one end of a moxa stick, roughly the shape and size of a cigar, and holds it close to skin, to warm the area being treated. Another form of indirect moxibustion uses both acupuncture needles and moxa. A needle is inserted into an acupoint and retained. The tip of the needle is then wrapped in moxa and ignited, generating heat to the point and the surrounding area. (See right photo below)
Direct Moxibustion
Indirect Moxibustion
What is moxibustion used for?
In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is used to treat people suffering from cold or stagnant conditions. The burning of moxa expels cold and warm the meridians, which leads to smoother flow of blood and qi. Moxibustion is an extremely relaxing therapy!
