When you think of acupuncture, most likely you think of needles, however acupuncture treatment may incorporate a variety of modalities known to Traditional Chinese Medicine such as cupping, scraping (gua sha), herbal supplements, and moxibustion. As part of our “Ask a Provider” series, this month we spoke with our acupuncturist, Suzanne Chi, to learn a little bit more about moxibustion and it’s role in acupuncture treatment.

Q: What is moxibustion?

Suzanne: Moxibustion is the therapeutic burning of mugwart or artemisia.

Q: What does it do?

Suzanne: We use each modality for different purposes. Moxibustion is generally used to tonify deficiencies, so it’s used a lot in the context of building up the immune system, aiding in digestion — adding digestive fire — and building up the blood in cases like anemia. So, all of those examples are cases of a deficiency in the body that moxa helps to bolster.

Q: Why do you use moxibustion and when would you use it or not use it on a patient?

Suzanne: Moxa is a type of heat, so we don’t use it, or need to be careful when using it, in cases when too much heat is already present. We determine this by assessing the pulse, or using other signs like if a person is literally physically feels hot, or if they’re sweating. I would not use moxa if heat-related conditions are present like certain types of insomnia or certain digestive issues. You have to be careful when using moxa with pregnant patients because as a type of heat, moxa can agitate the system, including the fetus in this case. If we’re trying to turn a breach baby we might use moxa for that reason: to agitate the baby into turning into the correct position. You also want to carefully consider when to use moxibustion for peri- or post-menopausal patients who may have hot flashes, but deficiencies in other areas.

Q: What should patients know about moxibustion and receiving moxibustion treatment?

Suzanne: There are different types of moxa. I use one type in the clinic, which is a Japanese style that uses very, very small amounts. Many people may have experienced indirect moxa, or pole moxa where the moxa is compressed into a stick and held close to the body, but there is no direct contact. Other types of moxa include need top moxa, when the moxa is on the top of a needle that is inserted in the patient. The moxa heats the needle and then the needle heats the acupuncture point. I don’t use that type in the clinic because it can be more smoky or generate more smell. There’s also a moxa box which is a small bamboo box with wire on the bottom. Loose moxa is put on the wires and then lit and placed on the abdomen. Those last 2 styles — needle-top and moxa box — are very penetrating heat. Another thing to know about moxa treatment is that it can be incorporated into acupuncture treatment, but it’s not used by itself.

Q: Is moxibustion scary or painful?

Suzanne: The type of moxibustion I do is not scary, it’s not painful. You might feel some heat for a moment.