Is the burning of Moxa or mugwort (artemesia vulgaris) over acupoints is for relieving energy deficiency, bringing a person back to the present state and alleviating stress.
Moxa is an herb with antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties among many others that can be burned or ingested. Moxibustion (the burning of moxa) is often used in acupuncture treatments but it can be used completely on its own which can be a plus if a less invasive treatment is desired.
Moxa is used direct or indirectly and is generally burned over an acupoint to reestablish proper blood and qi circulation through local heat. The feeling is relaxing and also helps drain stagnant energy.
In Chinese Medicine, moxa treats fatigue, inflammation, pain, arthritis, cold in the body, menstrual and digestive symptoms and disorders, among a long list of other ailments including asthma, cancer and the turning of a breached baby.
The use of the herb is also found in Native American Medicine, also in bundles that are burned or directly ingested. The method I use is a moxa stick indirectly burned for longer and shorter periods of time over certain points.
Moxa each day keeps the doctor away – To burn it over the ST36 point lifts the immune system for normal day-to-day treatment as taught by my master Liu Xiuyang.