Moxibustion （艾灸） is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy which consists of burning dried mugwort (moxa) over particular points on the body. This technique plays an important role in the traditional medical systems of China. Practitioners may use the less processed, loose-leaf moxa or the more processed form that is molded into cigar-shaped stick that come in various sizes. The loose-leaf moxa is frequently used for digestive problems in children, while small moxa sticks are placed on top of needles for chronic pain, and larger, hand-held moxa sticks are used for driving out coldness.

Practitioners use moxa to warm regions and meridian points with the intention of stimulating circulation through the points and inducing a smoother flow of blood and Qi in addition to treating conditions associated with having “yang deficiencies” in Chinese Medicine. Moxibustion also mitigates against cold and dampness in the body, and can even serve to gently turn a breech baby.