Care
Moxibustion
Warmth from slowly burning mugwort, held a short distance from the skin for a few seconds at a time.
Moxibustion uses a stick or a small cone of dried mugwort. I hold it near a point until you feel a pleasant warmth, then move on. It can be part of a visit with needles or a short visit by itself. The smoke is light, and I open a window.
Who usually comes
People who feel the cold in their back, belly or feet
People who prefer warmth to needles
Anyone coming between acupuncture visits
A visit
What a visit is like, in order
- 01
Step 1: We talk
About what you feel and where, and whether smoke bothers you.
- 02
Step 2: Warmth near a point
I hold the burning mugwort at a distance, and you tell me when it is warm enough.
- 03
Step 3: A few passes
Each point gets a few seconds at a time. A visit might cover several points.
- 04
Step 4: Aftercare
Drink water, keep the area covered and warm, and call me if the skin feels tender.
Good to know
Before and after
What you may feel afterward
Warmth, and for some people a light pink on the skin that fades within the hour. Tell me if anything feels too hot, and I'll stop.
Tell me first
Smoke sensitivity, asthma, pregnancy, skin that is numb or fragile, or a fear of heat. I use a different approach, or skip it.
How many visits
I suggest a plan at the first visit. It is a suggestion, not a promise, and results vary.
What it does not do, and when to see a doctor
It does not replace your doctor or your medicine. See a doctor first for sudden, severe pain, chest pain, trouble breathing or a burn that blisters. In an emergency, call 911.
Questions about moxibustion?
Ask me before you book, and tell me if smoke bothers you.