Moxibustion

Moxibustion, also known as moxa, is one of the oldest healing therapies used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, dating back thousands of years. Commonly used in conjunction with acupuncture treatments, moxa is an herb that increases circulations when safely burned over specific acupuncture points. This therapy is often very soothing and relaxing.

Any type of heat applied to the body can increase the flow of qi and blood. Heat lamps, heating pads, or warming liniments can give a similar effect to moxibustion. However, the heat therapy combined with the powerful healing properties of mugwort gives moxibustion a proven advantage. The heat from moxibustion treatments can promote circulation and reduce inflammation in chronic pain conditions, muscular tension, and some types of arthritis.

Moxa is created from the Chinese herb named ai ye, known in the West as mugwort. Interestingly, this herb gets its botanical name from the Greek moon goddess Artemis, a patron of women, and is a wonderful herb for gynecological conditions. In Chinese herbal medicine it can be used to regulate heavy menstrual and uterine bleeding and to increase blood circulation to the pelvic area to treat menstrual pain. It also has successfully been used to turn breech babies into a normal head-down position prior to childbirth.