The non-smokable cigar of moxa (back), the moxa fluff (right), or the pieces of cigar attached to needles inserted into the model ear (left) can all be lit on fire to provide warmth to Acupuncture points.

 

Moxabustion, often shortened to just "Moxa," is a therapy utilizing the mugwort (known as ài yè or 艾葉 or 艾叶) herb. Mugwort is used processed. When processed, it is aged and then ground into a fluff.  Often it is put into a stick that resembles a (non-smokable) cigar.

 

TCM doctors burn the fluff using the heat and the energetic properties of the plant itself to affect healing. It can be used in several ways. 

 

One way is called "indirect Moxibustion," and it involves burning the Moxa cigar and holding it near to, but without touching Acupuncture points.  Heat and energy from the burning plant are transferred indirectly into to points, thus the name. 

 

Another way to use Moxa is called "warm needling," and it involves spearing small pieces of the Moxa cigar onto the tips of needles.  Once in place, the Moxa is burned while on the needles, introducing head deep into the Acupoint. 

 

The final way to use Moxa is by shaping the Mugwart fluff into a cone, placing it on the skin and lighting the tip of the cone (much as one would light an incense cone).  This is known as "direct Moxa," but is unpopular in the United States due to the likelihood of scarring (which is not considered so bad in China).  One method that is popular in the US is to make some kind of barrier on the skin (using an herbal paste, for example) to prevent burns while performing direct moxa.

 

No matter how the Moxa is used, the intent is the same.  The idea is to stimulate circulation inducing a smoother flow of blood and qi. It is believed that Moxibustion dispels cold and dries up dampness.  In this case, "cold and damp" are terms specifically referring to the effect of cold and dampness on Qi flow in the body.  There is even scientific evidence to support the use of Moxa to turn breech babies.  In general, because of its warm "Yang" nature, Moxibustion is considered highly effective in treating chronic problems.