Moxibustion, known in Chinese as 艾灸 (Ai Jiu), is an ancient Chinese healing practice dating back over 2,500 years. It involves burning dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris or Ai Ye) near specific acupuncture points on the body. The gentle heat stimulates Qi and blood circulation while expelling cold and dampness from the body.
Unlike acupuncture which uses needles, moxibustion uses warmth to stimulate healing. The heat penetrates deep into the body, warming from within and dispelling cold and moisture. This makes it ideal for people with cold constitutions, pain that worsens in cold weather, or those with deficiency conditions.
The benefits of moxibustion are extensive: it relieves chronic pain, especially joint and back pain that worsens in winter; supports digestive health by reducing bloating and constipation; promotes women's health by regulating menstrual cycles and relieving menstrual pain; and boosts overall energy while reducing chronic fatigue.
At Hua Yi Tang Clinic, moxibustion is performed by experienced TCM practitioners who first assess your body condition to select appropriate acupoints. Moxibustion is often combined with acupuncture to enhance treatment effectiveness, especially for patients with cold or weak constitutions.
Moxibustion is suitable for those with cold body types, cold hands and feet, pain that worsens with cold, weak digestive systems, and those needing body nourishment. Those who should avoid moxibustion include pregnant women, people with high fever, and those with inflamed or wounded skin.