Moxa, also known as Mugwort or Artemisia, is a flowering plant in the daisy family. The dried leaves of Mugwort are ground into small sticks or cones called moxa, similar to incense. These moxa sticks or cones are lit and used to apply warmth to specific points on the body, providing relief for various conditions.
During moxibustion treatments, practitioners may place moxa cones directly onto the skin or joints or hold them above the body to target specific points. Moxibustion is generally painless and creates a warm and relaxing sensation.
Moxibustion and infrared heat therapy are commonly utilized in traditional Chinese medicine and are often combined with acupuncture. They are frequently employed to address a wide range of conditions, including infertility, indigestion, and colds.
Moreover, these therapies have been found beneficial for post-traumatic recovery, immune system enhancement, alleviating symptoms of arthritis, and reducing pain in frozen shoulder and joints.
Moxibustion is particularly known for its effectiveness in managing breech pregnancies, where the baby is positioned with the feet or bottom first instead of the head. Research has shown that moxibustion can encourage the baby to turn naturally, without the need for medical intervention.