Moxibustion: What is it? What does it do?

Moxibustion (a.k.a. Moxa) treatment that has shown to greatly strengthen the body’s energy and ability to fight off future infection. It’s the other part of the Acupuncture & Moxibustion practices that we are trained in as licensed acupuncturists.

Moxibustion is a warming treatment that’s ideal for the transition from our balmy fall to the chill of winter, aiming to boost our defensive Qi and to prevent seasonal illness. It warms the Yang and disperses cold, dampness or stagnation. It’s used to alleviate menstrual cramps, back pain, and the feeling of deep cold in the body some people experience constitutionally. It’s also used to treat digestive issues, and as an empirical treatment to help turn breech babies!

Moxa, also known as Artemisia or Mugwort, is a dried plant that is processed into a burnable charcoal stick and burned close to the body, as a stick on cone placed on acupuncture points with a barrier to prevent burning, or in a fluffy, loose form that is placed into a small wooden box with holes in it. This “Moxa Box” is then placed on the lower abdomen, low back or leg for 30 minutes, thus enabling the heat to penetrate the body slowly and comfortably. This heat builds Qi and Blood and is very beneficial to the body’s life force and vitality.

Curious to learn more about moxibustion or would like to schedule an appointment during our seasonal moxibustion clinic? Check it out here.