Moxibustion is a treatment that uses an herb called Mugwort.
Moxibustion or often referred to as “Moxa” is a special preparation of the Mugwort herb that is refined down to be placed on the end of needle, used indirectly over the body, or directly on the skin.
Moxibustion may be burned indirectly over the skin, on the handle of a needle, or directly on the skin with different barriers in place between the skin and moxa, such as special ointment, salt or a slice of ginger.
This technique is used to "warm" & or activate the acupuncture points or areas on the acupuncture channels to increase Qi and blood flow.
This approach has a relaxing and comforting affect.
Moxibustion can also be used as an alternative to a needle, thus, is a great way to stimulate points for a needle sensitive person.
Moxibustion does, however, carry a distinct smell of smoke with a pungent odor that varies in strength Patients with respiratory problems may request that their practitioner use “smokeless moxa sticks” as an alternative.