Moxibustion and acupuncture are Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments often used together, but they have different principles and purposes. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the appropriate treatment method.
Acupuncture uses needles inserted at acupuncture points to stimulate or drain Qi energy—suitable for pain conditions, inflammation, or energy blockages. Moxibustion uses burning mugwort herb to apply heat to acupuncture points—suitable for cold-Yin conditions, body weakness, or when energy needs boosting.
Moxibustion is ideal for those who feel cold easily, have cold hands and feet, experience bloating, chronic diarrhea, or menstrual pain from cold. Acupuncture is suitable for acute pain, chronic pain, stress, or conditions requiring energy balance.
In many cases, practitioners use both methods together—for example, acupuncture first followed by moxibustion to add warmth, or moxibustion first to prepare the body before acupuncture. The approach depends on the patient's body condition and symptoms.
Choosing the treatment method should involve consulting a TCM practitioner, who will diagnose your body condition and recommend the most appropriate approach—whether acupuncture, moxibustion, or both together.