Moxibustion is a technique that uses burning moxa* on or above the skin to warm acupuncture points and channels. The dried, wool-like leaves of this plant are molded into balls, cones or sticks. The heat from the burning plant warms the channels and increases circulation of Qi, especially if your condition is worse from cold wind, and/or dampness. When Chinese people began to use fire in their daily lives, they discovered that warming specific areas of the body eliminated pain and effectively treated some diseases.

There are two ways that moxa can be used.

1. Direct- The moxa is placed on the skin, either by itself or on top of a slice of ginger, garlic or on salt.
2. Indirect- The moxa is in a stick form and it is lit at one end and waved above the skin.