Natural Healing Using Heat and Herbs
Moxibustion is a form of fire heat treatment that increases blood flow and stimulates specific acupuncture points of the body. The term is derived from the Japanese “mogusa” meaning herb (mugwort) and the Latin “bustion” meaning burning.
An ancient therapy still very common practice in China. Your practitioner lights one end of a moxa stick (roughly the shape and size of a cigar) and holds it an inch or two away from the skin, usually around the inserted needles to bring mild warmth to the area without burning, until the skin becomes slightly red. The intensity of the heat is adjusted according to the patients condition and comfort.
Moxibustion induces a gradual localised vasodilatation response. In addition to increasing the local blood flow, skillful moxibustion is extremely comforting and can create a deep relaxation response.