Moxibustion
What is Moxibustion? Moxibustion, often called moxa, is the practice of burning herbs (traditionally mugwort) near or on the surface of the skin, often, though not always, corresponding to certain acupuncture points.
This heat therapy directs blood flow and qi to an area, bringing warmth and circulation to the local tissue, which then relieves pain, warms, and stimulates healing and function.
According to Chinese theory, moxibustion dispels cold pathogens and/or warms the yang, which is the heat and vitality that already exists within us.
We are warm blooded creatures and the invasion or development of cold patterns in the body will constrict, slow, weaken, numb, and devitalize the body. By using a directive heat therapy like moxibustion (of which there are many different types) we can bring back the light, stoke the fire, warm the channel and lift the essence. Where there is cold, pain or weakness, we use moxa. And, moxa feels so good.