Moxibustion

If you’re experiencing digestive health problems, insomnia, or fertility issues, a noninvasive treatment like moxibustion can help restore balance to your body. At Five Elements Acupuncture & Wellness, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine specialist Min Lu, MD, uses moxibustion to relieve various conditions. To make an appointment, call the office in Gaithersburg, Maryland, or book online today.

What is moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique. It uses a flowering plant called mugwort to drive toxins from your body. 

Before treatment begins, Dr. Lu grinds dried mugwort leaves into small sticks. Then, she lights the sticks with a match and holds them about an inch away from strategic points on your skin. As the sticks burn, they warm your skin, enhancing blood flow and your body’s natural healing process.

What types of health problems can benefit from moxibustion?

Dr. Lu uses moxibustion to treat various health problems, including:

• Joint pain
• Indigestion
• Organ prolapse
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Menstrual cramps
• Infertility

You might also benefit from moxibustion if you’re pregnant and your baby is positioned feet- or bottom-first. Moxibustion may be able to help your baby readjust in the womb without surgical intervention.

Is moxibustion painful?

No. Moxibustion isn’t painful because the burning mugwort never comes in contact with your skin. 

Instead, Dr. Lu holds it about an inch away from your skin or places the burning sticks on top of acupuncture needles. That allows the heat to travel through the needles, providing a calming sensation.

Does moxibustion present any risks?

Moxibustion is safe and usually well-tolerated, but it isn’t for everyone. That’s especially true if you’re allergic to mugwort, sensitive to smoke, or have an underlying respiratory issue like asthma or chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD). After a review of your medical records, Dr. Lu can determine if you qualify for treatment.

How often should I undergo moxibustion?

The frequency at which you can undergo moxibustion depends on various factors, including your age, the symptoms you’re experiencing, and your treatment goals. After a review of your medical records and a physical exam, Dr. Lu develops a custom treatment plan.

Typically, Dr. Lu recommends a series of moxibustion treatments over two weeks.* At the end of that period, she reevaluates your progress and makes adjustments as necessary.

Does moxibustion require any downtime?

No. Moxibustion doesn’t require any downtime or recovery period. As soon as your appointment is over, you can return to work, exercise, and other routine activities right away.

To see if you can benefit from moxibustion, make an appointment at Five Elements Acupuncture & Wellness by calling the office or booking online today.