Moxibustion
Therapeutic Heat Therapy Using Dried Mugwort — Supporting Circulation, Warmth & Tissue Recovery
Moxibustion — commonly called moxa — is a heat therapy that uses the slow, penetrating warmth of dried mugwort (Artemisia argyi) applied to specific points on the body. It works differently from other heat sources: mugwort burns at a lower, steadier temperature that penetrates more deeply into tissue, supporting circulation and tissue warmth in a way that infrared or hot packs don't replicate.
It is one of the oldest and most clinically refined therapies in East Asian Medicine — used for centuries alongside acupuncture for conditions involving poor circulation, cold sensitivity, fatigue, and certain pain patterns that respond to heat.
What Moxibustion Supports
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Chronic pain or stiffness that worsens with cold or improves with heat
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Poor circulation — chronically cold hands, feet, or lower body
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Digestive sluggishness and bloating associated with poor motility
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Menstrual cramps that respond well to local warmth
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Fatigue, burnout, and low energy
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Immune support during seasonal transitions
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Breech and posterior fetal positioning » — a specific moxibustion technique used from 33–38 weeks gestation
What to Expect
Moxa is applied near the skin over specific acupuncture points — either directly or using a moxa stick held at a short distance. The sensation is a steady, penetrating warmth — distinct from surface heat. Most people find it deeply relaxing. Sessions may use moxa alone or alongside acupuncture, depending on the clinical presentation.
Moxibustion is available as a standalone session or added to any acupuncture session.
The Moxa We Use
At ECHO, we use Gold Mountain moxa — the highest grade of Japanese mugwort available. Harvested from a specific mountainous region in Japan and processed using traditional techniques, Gold Mountain moxa is exceptionally refined: light, nearly smoke-free, and consistent in burn temperature. It burns cooler and more evenly than lower grades, making it well-suited for sensitive presentations and precise therapeutic work.
The quality of moxa matters clinically — inconsistent or low-grade moxa produces variable heat and more smoke. Gold Mountain moxa eliminates both concerns.
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