What is Moxibustion?
Allen Crosson Moxibustion Clinic
Moxibustion is an alternative therapy that involves burning herbs and applying the resulting heat to specific points on the body.
A technique used in Traditional Chinese medicine and in Tibetan medicine, moxibustion is typically administered in conjunction with acupuncture.
According to Traditional Chinese medicine, the heat generated during moxibustion helps increase the flow of vital energy (also known as “qi” or “chi”) throughout the body via pathways known as meridians. The free flow of Qi and blood throughout the body is seen to improve health and relieve painful conditions.
Uses
Traditional Chinese medicine uses moxibustion for the following health problems:
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What Moxibustion Involves
The technique most commonly used today is called indirect moxibustion. It often involves burning moxa (a substance created from dried leaves of the herbs mugwort or wormwood) on top of an acupuncture needle.
In some cases, however, practitioners may set the burning moxa over a layer of ginger, garlic, or salt placed on the patient’s skin. Other techniques include applying heat to acupuncture points from an electrical source such as a heat lamp, as well as holding the burning moxa about 2 inches above the skin for several minutes.
