What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion (灸) is the burning of 'moxa' (the dried leaves of the herb Artemesia vulgaris latiflora) close to or on the body. This process is used to warm and strengthen a person or a specific area of the body.  It is mainly used in conditions that are 'Cold' in nature or due to weakness.

A 'Cold' condition could include an aching lower back, a painful joint or period pains*.  Often, in this instance, the affected area is cold to the touch, the pain described as 'boring' or 'biting' and relief can temporarily be found with a hot water bottle or heat pad.  If moxa is used in such cases, it can produce a strong and penetrating heating effect, helping to reduce pain.

As mentioned above, moxibustion can also be used in cases of depletion or weakness (such as susceptibility to cold or feeling cold, tiredness and low immune system*).  In addition to the beneficial effects of acupuncture, it can help to gently warm and strengthen the body.

Moxa will be either used as a stick (used to heat a wide area of the body and held an inch or two from the skin), as small cones placed onto the skin (used to heat specific points) or burnt on the end of a needle (again used at a specific point, usually for joint pain such as the shoulder, hip or knee to provide heat deeper into the body). 

* Please note that moxibustion may not always be the best course of treatment for you even if you have some of these symptoms; your practitioner will discuss this with you accordingly.