Moxibustion
(sometimes referred to as “moxa”) is the burning of the herb Mugwort (also known as “Ai Ye”) over certain appropriate acupuncture points. In addition to the therapeutic heat this procedure provides, medicinal qualities of the burning herb also help to correct imbalances in the body. Moxibustion is applied in a number of different ways, including burning the herb on needles that are inserted in the body. Other ways of application are to use a moxa stick to indirectly apply heat to acupuncture points, or burning the herb on a medium such as fresh ginger or garlic, which rests on the skin.