Mugwort, or artemisia, is a flowering plant in the daisy family. It’s used in foods eaten around the world, It’s also the key to moxibustion. Mugwort leaves are dried and ground into small sticks or cones called moxa (similar to incense), which are then lighted and used to warm points on your body and relieve a variety of conditions.
Moxibustion can travel through the 12 meridians, which carry energy throughout the body, It is able to regulate QI and blood, dispel cold, warm YANG and prevent diseases to maintain overall well-being. In TCM, the concepts of YIN and YANG balance each other, but imbalances can lead to illness. When yang becomes deficient, then there may be an increase in cold.
Does moxibustion hurt?
It won’t ! With indirect moxibustion, the moxa never touches your skin. And even with direct moxa, you should only feel heat and warmth, but not pain; your practitioner will remove the moxa before it burns or blisters.
What is moxibustion used for?
Moxibustion is usually good for cases where the disease is brought on by cold pathogens or a certain QI/YANG deficiency, This includes:
- Joint pain.
- Indigestion.
- Organ prolapse.
- Gastrointestinal issues.
- Menstrual cramps.
- Infertility.