Moxibustion ( Moxa) is a form of therapy that involves the burning of mugwort leaves. This is a small, spongy herb that is used to enhance healing with acupuncture. As such, the leaves are burnt close to the skin’s surface using a stick to apply heat. The practice is derived from Chinese medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health.
The heat combined with the powerful healing properties of mugwort gives moxibustion a proven advantage. Mugwort is used because of its acrid, spicy odour which makes it able to travel through all of the meridians, regulate qi and blood, and expel cold.
Moxibustion is used for: Pain due to injury or arthritis, especially in “cold” patterns where the pain naturally feels better with the application of heat. Digestive problems and irregular elimination. Gynaecological and obstetrical conditions, including breech presentation in late term pregnancy.
Moxibustion is generally safe when performed by an experienced practitioner or acupuncturist. The biggest risk is an accidental burn to the skin. Side effects such as sore throat, coughing, nausea or vomiting can occur.
Moxibustion is contraindicated in fever, in acute infectious diseases, in the presence of hypertension, haemorrhage and during menstruation, and also in nervousness with sleep disturbances, that is to say in Yang conditions
