What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion therapy is a preventive, remedial, and curative technique that uses burning of dried mugwort (moxa) to provide increased circulation and soothing relief. Moxa is used to target specific acupoints on the body surface to exert thermostimulus to alleviate diseases and related symptoms.

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Moxibustion is mostly used for syndromes of cold, chronic diseases, pain management, and paralysis. Scarring moxibustion, which places moxa directly on the acupoint to form skin blisters and pus, is applied for chronic and prolonged diseases as well as gynecologic diseases such as wheezing and dyspnea, chronic stomach disease, innate weakness, underdevelopment, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, impotence, seminal emission, menstrual irregularities, vaginal discharge, and fetal instability. Non-scarring moxibustion, which places moxa indirectly on the acupoint using a barrier between moxa and skin, is used for light-deficient cold syndromes.

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Moxibustion is not advisable for the elderly or children, and those who suffer from faint-rapid pulse, high fever with a floating pulse, or excess heat syndrome. Inflammation and scarring due to burn injury are the most common adverse effects, and the resin and smoke caused by moxa combustion may induce allergic dermatitis or respiratory disorders.

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If you have any specific questions regarding moxibustion, feel free to ask Dr. Jo during your visit.