Many of us think of Chinese medicine as being synonymous with acupuncture, but even the Chinese term for acupuncture, "Zhen Jiu", literally translates into "Acupuncture & Moxibustion". Rarely in the medicine practiced in ancient China were acupuncture needles inserted without also treating patients with moxibustion, a therapy which involves the burning of specific herbs (known as Mugwort or Moxa) at acupuncture points. Moxibustion is one of the highlights of Chinese Medicine.
The 'moxa stick' is the most common form in which moxibustion is used to promote healing by strengthening the blood, allowing and encouraging the flow of the energy Qi throughout the body. Here the dried mugwort is rolled up tightly and wrapped in paper forming a cigar-like stick. The moxa stick can be held in one place, rotated in circles over the area of an acupuncture point or where an acupuncture needle has been inserted. The moxa stick is held approximately a half inch from the skin. The patient experiences a warming sensation and reports feeling very comfortable and relaxed during the treatment.