Moxibustion is a traditional therapy that is commonly used in Chinese medicine to promote healing and alleviate pain. This therapy is based on the belief that blockages in the flow of energy, or "qi," within the body can lead to mental and physical health problems. In moxibustion therapy, dried mugwort called "moxa" is placed either directly on the skin or above it near the acupuncture points or meridians on the body. This is burnt so that the heat can permeate the skin and stimulate the flow of qi and blood in the affected area.
Moxibustion is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, another traditional Chinese therapy. The two therapies are thought to complement each other, with acupuncture addressing blockages in the flow of qi along meridians, and moxibustion using heat to stimulate the flow of qi in the body.
There are different types of moxibustion, including indirect and direct methods. In indirect moxibustion, the moxa is placed on top of an acupuncture needle, and in direct moxibustion, the moxa is placed directly on the skin. Moxibustion has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, digestive disorders, and gynaecological issues, among others.