Moxibustion is a Traditional Chinese Medicine based treatment method that has its effects on the energy flow called ‘Qi’ in the body. It is basically a heating modality of treatment and is effective in moving the energy forward if there is stagnation of energy and in increasing the energy flow when there is deficiency, especially Yang component of the energy.
The application of heat over a painful area in the body is capable of relieving pain is a well-known fact and the results are much better when the center of the painful area is selected for heating.
The leaves of herb called Artemisia Vulgaris, commonly called a moxa herb is dried and used in various forms in moxibustion such as a moxa cone or a moxa roll.
The two main methods are Direct moxibustion and Indirect moxibustion
In direct moxibustion moxa wool is placed on the skin surface over a selected point and heated. This method is rarely used.
In indirect moxibustion, there is a barrier between the skin and the moxa wool like a piece of ginger, garlic, salt or air. The burning moxa is at a distance from the skin but produces heating effect on the selected point without burning the skin.
The desired effect is possible when the energy constitution of the patient or the health client is understood thoroughly and therefore a medically qualified and licensed doctor is to be approached to avail the moxibustion therapy.