Moxa

The technique of moxibustion, often referred to as moxa, is used to heat certain acupuncture points to treat certain conditions. It uses a herb, Artemesia vulgaris (common name Mugwort) which is lit so that it smoulders. Various types of moxa may be used from moxa punk (the loose moxa) to it being packed into a roll or even mixed with charcoal to look like a cigar to form smokeless moxa.
The moxa is either applied indirectly by placing it on the end of the needle or by the practitioner holding the cigar shaped moxa near the point, or directly, by placing the moxa onto the skin.