Moxa Herbal Therapy (also called “moxibustion”) is a therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine of burning a prepared form of the herb mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris), commonly in a cigar-type stick or a small ball of the herb on the acupuncture needles, to “warm up” the acupuncture channels and promote healing especially for cold or weak conditions to strengthen the body’s Qi & blood, essentially to promote blood circulation.  Moxa can also be used safely on children to boost immunity and help digestion.

Traditionally, the moxa herb was used in a loose form, like a ball of cotton, and applied directly on the skin, over acupuncture points to burn and infuse the specific point with the healing properties of the moxa herb. The moxa is then quickly removed once it gets close to burning the skin.  In China, patients are accustomed to this method and usually apply herbal oils afterwards to heal the skin from the moxa heat which sometimes causes redness.  

While some practitioners still practice this form, Dr. Rodriguez usually practices the “indirect moxa” method of burning the moxa stick (just like the photo here) about an inch above the acupuncture point so as to avoid burning the skin while still promoting a therapeutic effect of infusing the moxa herbal properties into the body. The moxa stick does not touch the skin. This therapy is often adjusted to the patient’s tolerance of the heat level, so it feels warm but not too hot. Usually it feels good, especially on cold winter days or for patients who tend to feel cold.

Dr. Rodriguez often adds moxa therapy to a treatment session for patients with chronic pain, pain with weakness, digestion conditions, low thyroid, low immunity, poor circulation (cold hands & feet) and women’s health (menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and infertility).

Moxa therapy is also used safely in pregnancy to help with strengthening the Qi and blood to help fortify and maintain a healthy pregnancy, especially if there is a history of recurrent miscarriages. Research on burning moxa on a specific point on the foot has also been studied for its traditional use to help turn a breech presentation to help facilitate labor and delivery. Dr. Rodriguez is experienced in this method and enjoys supporting pregnant patients to term.