The TCM view
Traditionally, moxibustion is described as warming the channels and supporting Qi and Blood.
Treatments
Moxibustion
A warming therapy often used in women's health and for cold, achy patterns.
What it is
About moxibustion
Moxibustion uses mugwort (ai ye) to apply gentle heat near acupuncture points — for example, on a small cone placed on the handle of a needle, or held above the skin.
What to expect
Soothing, spreading warmth. There's a light herbal, smoky scent. Heat is monitored closely to keep you comfortable.
$19.99 add-on to an acupuncture visit.
How it works: TCM and medical explanations
Often part of care for
Where it fits
- Menstrual discomfort
- Cold, achy pain patterns
- Digestive patterns
- Breech presentation support (late pregnancy, with provider coordination)
Safety
Used with care to avoid burns. Some people are sensitive to the smoke; let us know about asthma or respiratory sensitivity.
Research
What the research says
We summarize the highest-quality research we can find — systematic reviews, Cochrane reviews, guidelines and large trials — including results that don't favor acupuncture. You deserve the full picture.
Reviewed October 2026. Research describes groups of people, not guarantees for any individual. Explore the research →
Pregnancy
For pelvic and low-back pain in pregnancy, single studies suggest acupuncture may help, with minor, short-lived side effects (exercise has the most consistent evidence). For breech presentation, a 2023 Cochrane review found moderate-certainty evidence that moxibustion plus usual care probably reduces non-head-first presentation at birth. For nausea in early pregnancy, evidence for acupuncture is limited.
3 sources
- [1]Liddle SD, Pennick V Interventions for preventing and treating low-back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(9):CD001139. PubMed 26422811 (opens in a new tab) · DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD001139.pub4 (opens in a new tab)· Cochrane systematic review
- [2]Coyle ME, Smith C, Peat B Cephalic version by moxibustion for breech presentation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;5(5):CD003928. PubMed 37158339 (opens in a new tab) · DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD003928.pub4 (opens in a new tab)· Cochrane systematic review
- [3]Matthews A, Haas DM, O'Mathúna DP, et al. Interventions for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(9):CD007575. PubMed 26348534 (opens in a new tab) · DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD007575.pub4 (opens in a new tab)· Cochrane systematic review