Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves burning moxa (mugwort root) made from dried Artemisia vulgaris (spongy herb) to facilitate healing. The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of traditional Chinese medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health. In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is used on people who have a cold or stagnant condition. The burning of moxa is believed to expel cold and warm meridians, which leads to smoother flow of blood and qi.

Historically, this therapy had been used to treat pain due to injury or arthritis, especially in “cold” patterns where the pain naturally feels better with the application of heat, digestive problems and irregular elimination, gynecological and obstetrical conditions, including breech presentation in late term pregnancy, protection against cold and flu strains.

In my practice I often do both acupuncture and moxibustion in the same treatment session, when it is appropriate to my diagnosis and treatment strategy. I believe that this combination increases the effectiveness of the therapy.