FAQs › What Is Moxibustion and When Is It Used?
Moxibustion is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique involving the burning of dried mugwort (moxa) near or on acupuncture points to provide warmth, stimulate Qi and Blood flow, and treat Cold-pattern conditions.
Moxibustion involves the combustion of Artemisia argyi (mugwort) — either as a loose herb held near the skin on a moxa stick, or formed into small cones placed on acupuncture needles or on a salt or ginger pad on the skin. The gentle, penetrating heat produced is different from ordinary heat — it is said in TCM to specifically activate Yang energy and move stagnant Qi and Blood.
Modern research has found that moxa produces far-infrared radiation (3–25 microns) which penetrates the skin more deeply than ordinary heat, and releases therapeutic volatile oils during combustion. These provide anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that complement the thermal stimulation.
Moxibustion is particularly indicated for Cold-pattern conditions — those that are worse in cold weather, relieved by warmth, and associated with a pale tongue and slow pulse.
Clinical applications include: breech presentation (moxa on BL67 at the little toe — supported by multiple RCTs), menstrual pain with cold-type presentation, knee and hip osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (moxa on ST36 and Ren-4), immune support, and general Yang deficiency conditions including chronic fatigue, hypothyroidism, and low fertility associated with 'cold uterus.'
Ask about adding moxibustion to your next acupuncture session at Rainbow Medicine.
Book a ConsultationCopyright© 2002-2025 visuallink© SaaS - Web Hosted Solutions, Design and Maintenance by Visual Link IT Pty Ltd - Software Solutions
