Services
Moxibustion (ai jiu)
Moxibustion warms a point or an area with burning mugwort leaf (ai ye) held near the skin. It is not pressed on the skin, and it can be added to an acupuncture visit. Your acupuncturist always says what they plan first.
Who comes in, and what you may feel afterward
Who usually comes in
People who feel the cold in the winter, with an achy lower back or knees, or who like warmth on a sore spot. Some come in because a grandparent had it, and some because acupuncture alone was not what they wanted.
What you may feel afterward
A warm, pleasant feel in the area, and sometimes a little redness that fades within the hour. Your clothes and hair may carry a herbal smoke smell, and a smokeless stick is available if you prefer.
What a visit is like, in order
Moxibustion adds about ten to fifteen minutes to a visit.
- 01
Step 1: We talk
Your acupuncturist asks where you feel the cold or the ache and explains where the warmth would go.
- 02
Step 2: You get comfortable
You lie on the table with the area uncovered. Loose clothing that rolls up is enough.
- 03
Step 3: The warmth is held near
A lit stick of mugwort is held a few inches above the skin and moved slowly. Say so right away if it feels too hot.
- 04
Step 4: We finish
The stick is put out in a dish of sand, and we check your skin and talk about the next step.
Tell us first
Say any of these when you book, and again at the visit.
Pregnancy
Moxibustion is avoided on the lower belly and back, and sometimes skipped entirely.
Asthma or smoke sensitivity
Smoke can set off a cough. We can use a smokeless stick and open a window.
Numb or less sensitive skin
If a part of you does not feel heat well, we keep the stick farther away or use another method.
Lymph nodes removed
We avoid heat on the arm and side where nodes were removed.
Bleeding disorders
Tell us if you bleed or bruise easily, so we plan any needles that go with it.
Worry about heat
Say so. We start farther away and move closer only if you ask.
How many visits, and what this does not do
Some people have moxibustion at a few visits during the colder months and stop when the weather turns. Your acupuncturist looks at it again as you go, and you can stop whenever you like.
What it doesn't do, and when to see a doctor instead
It does not replace your doctor's care, and we do not prescribe medicine or ask you to stop yours. We do not promise a result: people respond differently. See your doctor or an urgent care clinic first for chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, a sudden severe headache, or a fever with a stiff neck. In an emergency, call 911.