Moxibustion is an Chinese medicine topical treatment. It utilises acupuncture points but it is believed that the effect is different from acupuncture.
Moxibustion is a form of warming body constitution treatment. It was done traditionally with burning a small bead of dried mugwort wool (Artemisia argyi) on the acupuncture point. The treated skin area could be covered with thin ginger cakes, or using a burning moxa stick and holding a few centimetres above the skin. In Huang Di Nei Jing, acupuncture and moxibustion are regarded interchangeable, but except for the area such as over main arteries or over skin with infection. Usually, most people are suitable for moxibustion treatment.
Moxibustion is effective for treating cold nature body constitution, and relieving pain which would getting severe in winter condition. It is believed that it would benefit qi flow and improve circulation to the treated area.
