What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which dried plant materials called "moxa" are burned on or very near the surface of the skin. The intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi in the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences.
When Is Moxibustion Used?
Moxibustion is used for:
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Pain due to injury or arthritis, especially in "cold" patterns where the pain naturally feels better with the application of heat
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Digestive problems and irregular elimination
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Gynecological and obstetrical conditions, including breech presentation in late term pregnancy
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Protection against cold and flu strains
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Practitioners often do both acupuncture and moxibustion in the same clinic session when appropriate to the diagnosis and treatment strategy. Practitioners believe that the therapies increase each other's effectiveness when used together.