Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a type of stimulation of acupoints using an herb called moxa (also known as mugwort or Ai Ye in Mandarin). This herb, in a cone form, is placed directly onto the skin and then lit so that it burns directly onto the skin, about 2/3’s down. The heat that is emitted penetrates the acupoint to move Qi and blood throughout the meridians and muscles. Moxibustion is used in conjunction with acupuncture to treat more advanced disease or acute imbalances. According to MRI scans, when moxa is burnt onto the skin, there is an increase of white blood cells. Moxa can also be burned indirectly off of the skin. For example, a piece of moxa can be placed on top of a needle or it can be used an inch away from the skin in the form of pole moxa, which looks like a cigar.