About Moxibustion

Moxibustion is the burning of the herb, mugwort, on the body for therapeutic purposes.

Moxibustion, or “moxa” for short, puts heat (energy) into the body, warming up cold areas and relaxing tight areas to improve the body’s circulation and restore healthy function.  The herb itself was traditionally chosen for its healing properties and specific characteristics.  Moxibustion is known to improve the function of the immune system by stimulating normal production of white blood cells. Research has also shown it has a positive effect on other blood components. Mugwort possesses anti-biotic, anti-viral, and anti-parasitic properties. Burning moxa produces a pleasant, relaxing and strong sage-like odour.  According to the ancient theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the sites selected for moxibustion are the acupuncture points which access the body’s energy pathways. 

In the West, moxibustion is relatively unknown compared to its therapeutic sister, acupuncture.  However, classically and clinically, the two are used together.  In fact, in the Chinese characters, acupuncture and moxibustion are written in tandem.

鍼灸 = ACUPUNCTURE & MOXIBUSTION

Commonly known in Asian countries, like China, Japan and Korea, are many types of moxibustion including heat perception moxibustion, direct scarring moxibustion, indirect stick moxibustion, loquat leaf moxibustion, and moxibustion performed on top of salt, garlic, slices of ginger, or the acupuncture needle itself.  The appropriate type of moxibustion is selected and carried out by your acupuncturist depending on your current state.

Although the use of moxibustion seems to have come from China, it is quite possible that this ancient method of healing may have had it origins in Europe or other areas.  The herb is common to many temperate regions of the world, including North America. In Europe, mugwort (Latin: Artemisia Vulgaris) had been taken as a tea for stomach upset by the Ancient Greeks.