Ahhh.. a common question asked during many acupuncture treatments. Moxabustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves burning mugwort, a herb often used for increasing blood circulation, overall energy, and general good health.
Mugwort is also known as artemesia vulgaris, or ai ye in Chinese. Moxabustion can be helpful in treating a variety of ailments, including osteoarthritis, digestive issues, muscular aches and pains, gynecological issues, and immune health. For instance, in Western medicine, burning this herb over a specific point on the small toe has become popular for successfully turning breech babies to head-down position prior to birth (80% of the time or more!).
Moxabustion is also known for its ability to reduce menstrual cramping by increasing blood circulation to the pelvic area including the uterus. It is often used to encourage proper timing and flow of the menstruation cycle, frequently in conjunction with acupuncture.
So don’t be surprised if you feel that delightful warmth and smell something “herby” burning while your needles are in place–it is only the moxabustion.
Contributor:
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
