“Moxa” therapy, or “moxibustion” has been used for healing purposes throughout Asia for thousands of years. It is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris), a small spongy herb, to facilitate healing.
The Chinese dry and render this species of mugwort into a cottony mass and then burn it directly on the skin. The consistency of this substance makes It ideally suited for this since it burns quickly at such a low temperature. Its volatile oils also help promote blood circulation and relax the underlying nerves.
Usually, three or more small rice grain-sized pieces are placed on the skin, which has been prepared with a special ointment for protection. It is then lit with an incense stick and allowed to burn down to the skin.
This technique powerfully stimulates the immune system and associated meridians or nervous system, depending upon the acupuncture points selected. It is specifically indicated for all conditions associated with coldness and deficiency and as such has a better effect than the use of needles.
A more common and alternative method to the direct burning on the skin is to roll the moxa into a cigar shape, then lighting one end it is passed over a specific point or area in a clockwise motion until it becomes hot. This is repeated several times and is effective in removing chronic cold spasms and pains, including pain from recent injuries.
