Moxibustion Thearpy
Moxibustion is the application of heat on an acupuncture point. The herb mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris) is burned near an acupuncture point to regulate the physiological activity of the body. Moxibustion is most commonly applied using a stick of mugwort which is held by the practitioner over an acupuncture point. Mugwort may be used in combination with other medicinal substances (such as garlic, ginseng or salt) to create a natural barrier between the burning mugwort and your skin. Mugwort can also be placed on the end of a needle and then inserted into the body. This warms the needle while the needle is in the skin. Moxibustion produces a strong aroma which may bother some patients and should be used with caution when patients have respiratory problems. A liquid moxa technique in conjunction with a TDP heating lamp may help avoid the problem. Liquid moxa is applied to the affected area or acupuncture points chosen for stimulation similar to regular moxibustion. According to the theory of Chinese medicine moxibustion therapy is often used to treat conditions classified as a cold pattern.