Moxibustion is the burning of dried mugwort over acupoints to stimulate the flow of qi.  It is seen in many medical systems across China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Mongolia.  Mugwort leaves are aged for five to fifteen years then ground up into fluff and shaped into a cigar like stick.  Each cigar is lit and used to warm the acupuncture needles.  Moxibuation can be used directly or indirectly with acupuncture.  This is effective in preventing and treating many “cold” diseases.  Generally, it is used to warm the cold because nothing grows (healthier) in the cold.  Moxibustion is effective in preventing and treating many diseases such as pain, hives, hypertension, irritable bowel, breech fetus, and allergies.