The Healing Power of Moxibustion: A Traditional Therapy for Wellness
Jasmin Movassaghi • April 16, 2025

Moxibustion is a powerful healing technique used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the burning of dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) to stimulate acupuncture points, improve circulation, and promote overall healing. This gentle yet effective therapy has been practiced for thousands of years and is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine to enhance therapeutic results.



At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness in Merrimack, NH, Dr. Jasmin Movassaghi specializes in moxibustion therapy to help patients restore balance, boost immunity, and support healing from chronic conditions, pain, and fatigue.

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion (often referred to as “moxa”) is a form of heat therapy where dried mugwort (Ai Ye in Chinese) is burned near or on the skin to warm acupuncture points, promote Qi (energy) flow, and support overall vitality.


How Moxibustion Works:

✔ Stimulates circulation and increases blood flow
✔ Enhances the body's natural healing abilities
✔ Reduces pain and inflammation
✔ Boosts immune function and strengthens the body’s defenses
✔ Warms areas of cold and stagnation in the body

Types of Moxibustion

There are two primary types of moxibustion therapy, each offering unique benefits depending on the patient's condition and needs.


1. Direct Moxibustion

✔ Small cones of moxa are placed directly on acupuncture points.
✔ The moxa is lit and allowed to smolder until the skin feels warm, then removed before burning.
✔ Often used for chronic pain, arthritis, and digestive issues.


2. Indirect Moxibustion

✔ The most common and gentle form of moxibustion.
✔ Moxa is held above the skin or attached to acupuncture needles.
✔ Provides deep warmth without direct contact.
✔ Used for fatigue, weak immunity, digestive issues, and cold-related conditions.

The Benefits of Moxibustion Therapy

Moxibustion is widely used for a variety of health concerns and is often combined with acupuncture for enhanced results.


1. Pain Relief & Muscle Relaxation

✔ Effective for arthritis, joint pain, and muscle tension
✔ Reduces inflammation and stiffness
✔ Improves circulation and oxygen flow to tissues


2. Digestive Health & Metabolism Support

✔ Aids in digestion and reduces bloating
✔ Helps with chronic conditions like IBS and constipation
✔ Boosts metabolism and supports gut health


3. Boosting Immunity & Fighting Fatigue

✔ Strengthens the body's Wei Qi (defensive energy)
✔ Supports recovery from colds, flu, and chronic illness
✔ Reduces chronic fatigue and low energy levels


4. Women's Health & Fertility Support

✔ Regulates menstrual cycles and eases PMS symptoms
✔ Helps with menopausal discomfort and hormonal imbalances
✔ Encourages fertility and is used to turn breech babies in pregnancy


5. Emotional Well-being & Stress Reduction

✔ Calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety
✔ Promotes relaxation and deeper sleep
✔ Supports mental clarity and emotional balance

Moxibustion for Breech Babies

One of the most well-known uses of moxibustion is for turning breech babies in the later stages of pregnancy. Studies have shown that moxa applied to specific acupuncture points (such as BL-67 on the pinky toe) can encourage the baby to move into a head-down position naturally.


✔ Safe, natural alternative to medical intervention
✔
Encourages fetal movement and optimal positioning
✔
Recommended by many midwives and OB-GYNs



If you’re pregnant and have been told your baby is in a breech position, moxibustion could be a gentle, effective solution to encourage proper positioning before birth.

What to Expect During a Moxibustion Session

At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness, Dr. Movassaghi will carefully assess your condition and determine the best approach for your treatment.


✔ Personalized Consultation – We will discuss your health concerns, symptoms, and wellness goals.
✔
Acupuncture & Moxa Combination – Many treatments combine acupuncture and moxa for optimal results.
✔
Comfortable & Relaxing Therapy – Moxa creates a gentle, warming sensation that is deeply soothing and relaxing.
✔
Treatment Duration – Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes, depending on your needs.


Many patients feel immediate relief and warmth after their first session, while chronic conditions may require multiple treatments for long-lasting benefits.

Is Moxibustion Safe?

Yes! Moxibustion is a safe, natural, and non-invasive therapy when performed by a trained professional. At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness, we ensure that:


✅ Moxa is applied safely without direct burns
✅
High-quality, organic mugwort is used
✅
Personalized treatments are tailored to your needs


If you are pregnant, have respiratory sensitivities, or have certain medical conditions, please discuss with Dr. Movassaghi to determine the best approach for your treatment.

Experience Moxibustion at Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness

Whether you’re looking to relieve pain, boost immunity, or enhance overall wellness, moxibustion can be a powerful addition to your healing journey.

Contact Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness



Ready to experience the best acupuncture care in Southern NH? Contact Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness today:

📍 Location: 3 Mound Court Unit 4, Merrimack, NH 03054

📞 Phone: 603-377-6633

📧 Email: lotus@lotusacupuncturewellness.com

🌐 Website: www.lotusacupuncturewellness.com


With expert care, a patient-centered approach, and an ADA-accessible facility, Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness is the top choice for acupuncture in Merrimack, Amherst, Bedford, Milford, Nashua, Manchester, and beyond.


Take the first step toward natural healing and well-being—schedule your appointment today! ✨

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By Movassaghi • October 6, 2026
Why does an acupuncturist examine your tongue? Learn what tongue color, shape, moisture, and coating may indicate within Chinese medicine—and how these observations help personalize acupuncture treatment. At your acupuncture appointment, you may be asked to stick out your tongue for a few seconds. It can feel like an unusual request, especially when your main concern is back pain, headaches, digestion, stress, or menstrual symptoms. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, looking at the tongue is one part of a broader assessment. The tongue gives the practitioner a visible, moment-to-moment impression of patterns involving circulation, fluids, digestion, temperature, and overall vitality within the traditional framework. Tongue findings are never meant to stand alone. They are considered alongside your symptoms, health history, pulse, medications, lifestyle, and treatment goals.
By Movassaghi • October 5, 2026
Learn what moxibustion is, how it feels, and why an acupuncturist may add this warming Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy to a personalized treatment at Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness in Merrimack, NH. Have you ever noticed your acupuncturist warming an area of your body with a smoldering herbal stick or placing heat near an acupuncture point? This traditional therapy is called moxibustion, often shortened to moxa. Moxibustion has been used within East Asian medicine for centuries. It involves carefully burning processed mugwort near an acupuncture point to provide focused warmth. Depending on the patient and treatment goal, it may be used by itself or alongside acupuncture. The experience is usually gentle and comforting, but moxibustion is not appropriate for every person or condition. It should be selected and performed thoughtfully by a trained profession