Moxibustion (a.k.a. "moxa") is a therapy that I use often for cases of chronic illness or weakness in an organ or organ system. If a patient needs guasha/cupping for “too much,” for example, they may need moxa for “too little.” Moxibustion is commonly used for low immune system, chronic, dull low back pain, and pain from arthritis. Moxibustion involves the use of the mugwort herb- artemisia vulgaris- which is rolled into a cylinder similar to a cigar called moxa. Smokeless moxa is further turned into a charcoal before use. In either case, the moxa is lit and the hot end is placed over but without touching the acupuncture point. It sends warmth into the point and into the acupuncture channel. Often this infusion of warmth invigorates the channel, moving stagnation through and alleviating pain. Moxa burns at an Energy frequency similar to the human body’s, and therefore the body accepts moxa as an addition of Energy to the system. Depending on the nature of the acupuncture point, it may also send this Energy to an Organ that needs a little love- a little oomph to do its job better! I also instruct patients how to do this on their own to incorporate into their self-care routine.