| Moxibustion refers to the burning of Chinese Mugwort | | | | commonly used for pain, infertility, and weakness or |
| (or Moxa) – normally as an accompanyment to | | | | lack of energy. It is also used during pregnancy for |
| acupuncture or tui na (Chinese Massage) in order to | | | | breech presentation and is an essential component in |
| provide a gentle source of heat. It can be used as a | | | | many of the traditional techniques for health |
| way of stimulating acupoints, or used to warm a whole | | | | maintenance. It is very pleasant and relaxing to receive. |
| area. | | | | Many of the ancient doctors recommended moxa on |
| There are a few ways of using moxa – it can be | | | | points such as Ren4 or Ren6 (the Dan Tien) or St36 |
| attached to the end of an acupuncture needle, or | | | | (leg 3 miles) in order to ‘nourish life', prevent ageing |
| made into a cone which is then placed onto the body | | | | and increase longevity. Regular use of moxa on points |
| on top of a protective medium such as a slice of | | | | such as these was seen to have a qi-enhancing and |
| ginger or layer or salt (depending on the desired | | | | life-preserving nature and was performed routinely |
| outcome) or a moxa stick is used. A moxa stick is a | | | | after the age of around 30. I find these practices |
| tube of densely packed moxa which is lit at one end | | | | extremely useful, but unfortunately they are rarely |
| and then brought near to the effected area to warm it | | | | performed these days, even by acupuncturists. |
| up. | | | | All acupuncturists and most tui na therapists will be |
| Moxibustion has the effect of stimulating circulation and | | | | trained in the use of moxibustion. Moxa sticks are also |
| healing, warming the body and dispelling Cold. It is | | | | suitable for home use, provided you have been shown |
| especially useful for people and conditions which are | | | | the correct technique. |
| worse in the cold and respond well to heat. It is | | | | |