Moxibustion is a medical procedure where a Doctor of Oriental Medicine will apply a substance called moxa to a specific area of the body. Mugwort also known as Folium Artemisiae Argyi is one example of this. Moxa can also be made from a blend of other medicinals. There are several different varieties available from the pharmacy as well as custom made varieties made by your physician. This modality of Oriental Medicine is very effective for treating a wide range of medical conditions. Moxibustion is a very complex modality in the field of Oriental Medicine and should only be administered by a Doctor of Oriental Medicine.
Listed below are a few basic examples of how moxa is administered
1. Administering (indirect moxa) with the use of fire
This medical procedure means the Doctor of Oriental Medicine will ignite the moxa and the moxa is applied in a way where it does not make a direct contact with the skin.
Example:
A. The moxa is ignited and held over a specific area of the body
B. The moxa is ignited and placed on top of an acupuncture needle
C. The moxa is ignited and placed on top of different substances and then placed at specific locations on the body. These substances are usually sliced or powdered, mixed into a paste and formed into a small cake about the size of a quarter. Listed below are a few substances that are commonly used.
| Powdered/Ground | Sliced/Mashed | Other | Mixing Liquids |
| Fu Zi | Cong Bai | Salt | Water |
| Bai Hu Jiao | Dan Dou Chi | Wheat | Wine |
| Chuan Jiao | Bi Ma Ren | Soy Bean | Vinegar |
| Ba Dou | Fu Zi | Egg Shell | Ginger Juice |
| Cang Zhu | Ginger | Peach Leave | Garlic Juice |
| Xiang Fu | Garlic | Rice Paper | Scallion Juice |
2. Administering (Direct Moxa) with the use of fire
This medical procedure means the Doctor of Oriental Medicine will ignite the moxa and the moxa is applied directly to the skin. Direct moxa is further categorized into 2 modalities.
A. Non-scaring Moxibustion
Example: A Doctor of Oriental Medicine will place a small amount of moxa directly on the skin and ignite it. When the moxa burns down and starts to get hot it is quickly removed.
B. Scaring Moxibustion
Example: A Doctor of Oriental Medicine will place a small amount of moxa directly on the the skin and ignite it. This will be left in place until it burns itself out on the skin. There are 2 general categories this procedure falls into. One will leave a temporary scar, the second will leave a permanent scar.
3. Although some of these medical procedures may sound a bit scary or painful to Westerners, they are very effective when properly administered by a Doctor of Oriental Medicine.