Bringing Ancient Medicine to the Modern World

Moxibustion Therapy

Needles are not the only form of treatment acupuncturists use. Another form of treatment is called moxibustion (also known as 'Moxa' which is a herb called mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris, Ai Ye). Mugwort has an ancient history in folk medicine. It is believed that the romans planted it alongside roadsides to make it freely available for travellers to place it into their shoes to relieve aching feet and exhaustion. It also gets its name from the Greek moon goddess Artemis, a patron of women, and is a wonderful herb for the treatment of many gynecological conditions. Moxa is used traditionally in Chinese Medicine because of it's acrid, spicy odour which is believed to make it able to travel through all of the body's acupuncture meridians to regulate QI ( energy) and blood and to expel cold conditions. Such conditions might vary from a painful joint or a cold lower back ache and in these cases the moxa produces a strong heat with a penetrating effect. 

One of Moxa's active components, borneol, is commonly used in topical therapies for it's analgesic effects.

Moxa is a form of fire heat treatment that stimulates specific acupuncture points of the body. A small, cone-shaped amount of moxa is placed on top of an acupuncture point and burned on the skin; it can also be placed on or around a needle. Direct or indirect moxibustion is a traditional technique considered to be very therapeutic. Moxa along with acupuncture can be very effective for many diseases and conditions including back pain, muscle stiffness, headaches, migraines, tendonitis, arthritis, digestive disorders, anxiety, and female health problems such as menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and infertility.  Moxa is generally not recommended for patients with diabetes, decreased sensitivity to pain, who are on certain medications or who have any other conditions involving compromised circulation or a weakened immune system.

Patients experience deep relaxation and pain relief when moxa is used and often fall asleep during moxibustion treatments. 

My Prices

Initial consultation
including 1st treatment
£60.00
(90 minutes)

Follow up appointments
£50.00
(45-60 minutes)

NHS and emergency service workers are entitled to a discount on all treatments.

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Some kind words from my clients

  •  I first received Gua Sha during an acupuncture treatment for my painful neck and shoulders. Faye explained the process in full prior to the treatment and explained that Gua Sha can leave some marking on the skin for a few days afterwards. What a difference it made to my pain levels after treatment, my neck and shoulders were not as stiff and painful and it completely got rid of the headaches I was experiencing. The whole experience was relaxing and not painful. Gua Sha is the best form of massage I have ever had - Amanda K - London

  • Well what can I say about Faye Hopcraft Acupuncture, I went to see Faye with a terribly painful knee that had been going on for ages. My Doctor had told me that nothing could be done and that it was just a sign of getting old!, Faye sorted it after just 2 treatments. I now have a painful shoulder that Faye is now treating me for with very good results. The treatment is pain free and Faye always makes you feel very relaxed and comfortable. I can’t recommend her highly enough.
    Adam Brown – Selsey

  • Having, over the years, experienced more than one acupuncturist, I am so glad to have found Faye. I initially went for a long-term back problem, hip pain and  insomnia which has now all been relieved. I now visit her fortnightly as part of my general healthcare routine as she relaxes me with her friendly and confident nature and, as an 82 year old, I find her treatments enable me to stay active and positive about my health and general wellbeing. I actually fall asleep during every treatment and I never want to get off of her warmed treatment couch at the end of each session!.
    Margaret M – West Wittering

  • I saw Faye for a series of acupuncture sessions earlier this year and from start to finish she was absolutely brilliant. Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable but she is deeply passionate about what she does. I felt very safe with her treating me (as someone who has a slight aversion to needles!), but at all times she was a total professional and extremely kind. She explained why she was doing things and included me in my treatment plan. She was very patient and calming, and as a result meant I got the best out of my sessions with her. As an experienced holistic therapist she also brought in all her knowledge from other areas too, which made my treatment feel whole. I would not hesitate for a moment to recommend her, and if you have any doubts about getting acupuncture, don't! You definitely wont regret seeing Faye
    Philippa Ryland - London

  • I contacted Faye after my newly acquired cat from Cyprus gave me a bite to my hand. It was at the weekend and my GP surgery was closed and I did not want to go to A&E. My hand was hot, red and swollen and very painful. Faye fitted me in last minute on a Saturday evening and I was amazed how the treatment gave me instant relief. I now have regular acupuncture and cupping therapy for other health issues that I have. Faye’s treatment room is such a lovely, relaxing place to be with dimmed lighting, music and a warming treatment couch which is so comfortable. I really look forward to my treatments and often doze off once the needles are in. I just love her calming nature.
    Janice J – Tangmere, Chichester

    Faye Hopcraft Acupuncture

    32 Gill Way,
    Selsey,
    Chichester
    West Sussex
    PO20 0EX

    07974 935464

    info@fayehopcraftacupuncture.co.uk