The East Asian word for “acupuncture”, 針灸, actually refers to “acupuncture and moxibustion,” as those two techniques of eastern medicine are often used together in traditional practice.
Acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific points and areas of the body with fine stainless steel needles to regulate and balance the flow of energy and blood in the body.
Moxibustion involves the burning of moxa (aged plant fibers of mugwort leaves) either directly or indirectly on specific points on the body to supplement energy, disperse perverse energy, strengthen the immune system, stimulate nerve activity and correct energetic balance.