Used for thousands of years throughout Asia, moxibustion is a
traditional Chinese medical technique that involves the burning
of the herb mugwort on specific areas of the body.  The purpose of
moxibustion is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi and maintain
general health.

There are two types of moxibustion: direct and indirect. 

The procedure for direct treatment involves a small, cone-shaped,
amount of moxa that is placed on an acupuncture point and burned. 
Patients feel a pleasant heating sensation that penetrates deep into the skin
without the presence of pain, blistering, or scarring unless otherwise
indicated by the practitioner.

The procedure for indirect treatment is more popular due to the
lowered risk of pain or burning.  A moxa stick is lit and held
close to the area under treatment for several minutes until the skin
turns a rosy color, indicating the increased blood flow to the area.

Indirect treatment can also be completed by the insertion of a needle that
is tipped with moxa.   The moxa is lit, generating heat to the needle point
and the surrounding area under treatment.

This can also be done by inserting a needle wrapped with moxa at the tip into
an acupoint and lighting the moxa, which will generate heat to the point
and the surrounding area being treated.  After the desired effect is treated,
the moxa is extinguished and the needles are removed.