Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a therapy that burns dried mugwort near or on specific body points to apply heat. It is used in East Asian traditional medicine, often alongside acupuncture.

Moxa: Moxa is dried mugwort prepared for burning in moxibustion. Its form and preparation determine how practitioners deliver heat.
Acupuncture points: Acupuncture points are locations on the body selected for stimulation in East Asian medical practices. Moxibustion commonly applies heat at these same selected locations.
Breech birth: A breech birth occurs when a fetus is positioned to emerge buttocks or feet first. Moxibustion has been studied as a way to encourage fetal turning before birth.
Traditional Chinese medicine: Traditional Chinese medicine is a system of health practices developed in China, including herbal medicine and acupuncture. Moxibustion is one of its established therapeutic methods.
Mugwort: Mugwort is a group of aromatic plants in the genus Artemisia. Its dried leaves are the combustible material used in moxa.
Meridian (Chinese medicine): In Chinese medicine, meridians are channels said to carry qi through the body. Traditional point placement is organized around this channel system.
Cochrane: Cochrane is an organization that produces systematic reviews of health-care evidence. Its reviews assess evidence for moxibustion in specific clinical uses.
Huangdi Neijing: The Huangdi Neijing is an influential foundational text of Chinese medicine, compiled over several centuries. It records early medical ideas and practices associated with moxibustion.
Thermal therapy: Thermal therapy uses heat or cold to affect the body or relieve symptoms. Moxibustion is a heat-based treatment within this broader family.
Direct moxibustion: Direct moxibustion burns a small cone of moxa on the skin, sometimes producing a blister or scar. It is the form in which moxa contacts the treatment site.

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