Moxibustion is the burning or smouldering of a Chinese herb called moxa , or more technically known as artemisia vulgaris. Moxa can be applied to the end of an acupuncture needle and the heat travels down the needle and into the acupuncture channel. This is very useful if the patient is generally a cold person, or if cold has invaded the body.

To illustrate, I treated a patient who had a Repetitive Strain Injury in her right hand. On palpation her hand was very cold and the cold continued halfway up her arm. Three sessions of moxa on needle on various points along her arm successfully cured her. She was a vegan and ate a lot of raw and cold food. She had internal cold due to eating a cold diet for a long time, and this allowed cold from outside to easily enter her body. Through observation, the Chinese realise the importance that the climate can have on the body and how illness can develop.

Another interesting application of moxa, is with a moxa box . Moxa is burned on a metal grid inside the box and the heat penetrates the body over a large area.

In the photo, a moxa box is placed over the abdomen. This is useful for women who suffer from painful periods due to cold in the uterus . Waiting in long queues for night clubs, in very cold weather, wearing inadequate clothing can cause this condition. You have been warned!

Another common application is sparrow pecking . A stick of moxa is lit at one end and moved up and down over an acupuncture point, or a larger area. This will warm the acupuncture channel and also helps to relax muscle which maybe in spasm.