Alternative medicine like moxibustion exists since centuries. These practices are put in the shadows of conventional medicine because the scientific community lacks evidence and trials to prove the efficiency of alternative medicine. In general, moxibustion encourages more natural ways to heal pain and some particular health problems.

1. What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy which consists of burning dried mugwort, a plant materials called "moxa"on particular acupuncture points on the body. The moxa sticks are burned on or very near the surface of the skin. The intention is to create warm and invigorate the flow of Qi, which is the energy in the body, by the heating moxa that causes stimulation in the nerves and releasing endorphins to block pain.

2. Who invented Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a primordial invention of the Chinese community, which emanates as early as in the clan commune period of the primitive civilization. Some sources fix the beginning of the practice as far back as the 16th century BCE, during the Shang Dynasty. However, there are  no official registers of moxibustion, although it is believed to have arose during this era because, by the end of this dynasty, there are records of moxibustion practices.

3. What is Moxibustion good for? 

• Decrease pain due to injury or arthritis
• Decrease digestive problems and irregular elimination like diarrhea 
•  Improve gynecological and obstetrical conditions, including breech presentation in late term pregnancy and menstrual cramps
• Boost immune system to protect against cold and flu strains

4. How do you use Moxibustion

Moxibustion is traditionally practiced with moxa sticks. However, there are many new forms of moxa like liquid moxa, loose moxa and stick-on moxa that work as well as the traditional moxa sticks and rolls. You can find many variations like moxa, both scented and unscented, smokeless and with smoke that can pleased the most demanding customer. Basically, you have to use the moxibustion like you would use the acupuncture needles, but with the heat of moxa. Instead of having the pressure of needles under your skin, the heat is replacing the effect of needles.  You have to burn the stick near your skin, creating a warm sensation on acupuncture points of your body. 

5. How does a moxa stick work?

There are many forms of Moxa in which moxibustion can be practised as I stated earlier. There are two ways which Moxa sticks can be used; Direct moxa or indirect moxa. Direct moxa- in which the dried herb is wrapped into divers size cones, disposed onto the skin and lit to produce a more concentrated heat. The other technique is indirect moxa-  in which the leaf is compressed into a stick or pole, which can look like a cigar or smaller rolls. It is lit and then used above the surface of the skin to create a gentle warmth.