Ancient medicine

An ancient Chinese medical technique called moxibustion involves the burning of mugwort herb in glass cups placed at specific points on this young man's bare back. (Learn more)

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The moxibustion practitioner is in the process of adding or removing a glass cup to her patient’s back. Nine cups still are attached to his back. Several round reddish spots can be seen where treatment has been completed and other cups have been removed.

Moxibustion is an ancient Chinese medical technique linked to acupuncture. It is believed by medical historians to predate acupuncture by using heat and herbs rather than needles to stimulate the flow of energy or qi through a patient’s body. The herb mugwort (Artemsia vulgaris) is shredded and burned within the cups (or sometimes sticks) that are placed on the same body points stimulated for acupuncture treatments.

The patient experiences penetrating and healing heat at the point of contact, although some older methods can result in burning and scarring of the skin. Moxibustion is a popular method of Chinese-influenced traditional medicine used to treat a variety of “cold” or stagnant conditions, including flu and indigestion.

The practicioner and patient here are in Ho Chi Minh City.

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