Moxibustion is a thermal treatment technique deeply rooted in East Asian medicine. The primary herb used for moxibustion, or moxa, is Artemisia vulgaris, a plant commonly known as mugwort.
Moxibustion is a technique that brings warmth to areas of the body experiencing pain. Moxibustion can also be combined with acupuncture to synergize the therapeutic effect. The application of moxibustion is diverse in its use. The moxa technique can range from placement of mugwort in a wooden box, directly on acupuncture needles, or near the skin by way of something similar to a smudge stick. The warming needle technique applies a small amount of mugwort to the handle of the acupuncture needle and enhances the therapeutic effect of the treatment. To view a demonstration, watch the short video below.
Many patients experience moxibustion as a comforting and soothing sensation, resulting in reduced symptoms and improved function and well-being.
