Moxibustion is a form of therapy that involves burning mugwort leaves, a small, spongy herb, close to the skins surface. It is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that is often used in conjunction with acupuncture. The heat generated through moxibustion is believed to help increase the flow of energy throughout the body via pathways known as meridians. Moxibustion is founded on the belief that blockages in the flow of energy lead to mental and physical health problems, and it is used to treat a variety of conditions, including back pain, arthritis, joint pain, indigestion, organ prolapse, gastrointestinal issues, menstrual cramps, infertility, and breech pregnancy.
Moxibustion is considered a safe alternative to help with breech presentation, and it has been shown to be an effective way to get a baby to turn around on its own, without medical intervention. Unlike acupuncture, which is almost always done by a trained practitioner in a clinic setting, moxibustion can be easily used at home. However, moxibustion carries a risk of adverse effects, including burns and infection.
