Moxibustion acupuncture is a practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), in which burned moxa, or mugwort, is used in conjunction with acupuncture needles to stimulate the acupuncture points of the body. The practice of moxibustion, which may or may not be used with acupuncture needles, is ancient, and some believe it may even predate the use of acupuncture.
Acupuncture is based on the belief that channels called meridians run throughout the body carrying blood and vital energy. Acupuncture seeks to stimulate the flow of qi, or vital energy, and to balance qi and the complementary forces yin and yang in the body. It claims to promote general health and well-being, as well as addressing specific health issues.
Moxibustion acupuncture is a form of indirect moxibustion. In direct moxibustion, an older practice, mugwort is burned directly on an acupuncture point, either until it is completely burned out, or until the burning portion reaches the skin. The former method is called scarring moxibustion and can produce pain and scars. Mugwort can also be burned on top of a slice of ginger to protect the skin from scarring.
One form of indirect moxibustion uses a cigar-shaped moxa stick held close to an acupuncture point as it is burning, but not placed directly on the skin. In moxibustion acupuncture, a needle is inserted in an acupuncture point and moxa is burned on its tip. The needle conducts the heat into the acupuncture point, but there is no burning directly on the skin.
Mugwort has traditionally been used for patients suffering from cold or dampness, and to stimulate blood flow to the pelvic area and uterus. Mugwort has a long history of therapeutic use in Europe, the Americas, and other Asian countries outside of China. Moxibustion acupuncture can be helpful for menstrual cramps, and has been used to reverse the direction of breech babies, allowing for natural delivery. A study presented in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 found that moxibustion was effective in changing the baby’s direction in up to 75% of women with breech babies.
When mugwort burns, it emits a lot of pungent smoke, which can be uncomfortable for some patients, particularly those with respiratory problems. However, smokeless moxa sticks are now available. Moxibustion acupuncture should not be used on patients diagnosed with too much heat according to TCM, as it is traditionally indicated for those with too much cold.