East-West Integrative Medicine,
Your Balanced Way to Wellness!
Moxibustion is a technique that involves the burning of a small, spongy herb called mugwort to expel cold and warm the meridians, which is believed to facilitate healing. It can be used indirectly, with acupuncture needles, or burned directly onto the patient’s skin. Moxibustion has been used for thousands of years and in fact when translating the actual Chinese character for acupuncture it literally means “acupuncture-moxibustion.” The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of traditional Chinese medicine, is to stimulate a smooth flow of Qi, strengthen the blood, and maintain general health.
Are there any precautions I should be aware of?
Although moxibustion has been safely used for centuries, it is not for everyone. People can be divided into two groups; hot or cold. While it is used specifically for patients suffering from cold or stagnant constitutions, it should not be used on those diagnosed with too much heat. Burning moxa (mugwort) also produces a great deal of smoke as well as a pungent odor. Patients with respiratory conditions are advised to inform their practitioner of their condition and request smokeless moxa sticks be used as an alternative.