Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which dried plant of Chinese Mugwort (Artemesia argyi or A.vlugaris), called “moxa”, are burned close to the surface of the skin. The intention is to warm the muscles, restore the flow of blood and dispel certain pathogenic influences.
Moxibustion is used for:
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 painful menses and breech presentation in late term pregnancy
Protection against cold and flu strains
Practitioners often do both acupuncture and moxibustion in the same clinic session when appropriate to the diagnosis and treatment strategy.