Moxibustion Therapy
Moxibustion is one of the oldest and most deeply warming therapies in Traditional Chinese Medicine — and one of the most underappreciated. At Hewwing Acupuncture in Union Square, NYC, Dr. Samantha Hewwing uses moxibustion as both a standalone treatment and in combination with acupuncture to address a wide range of acute and chronic conditions.
Moxibustion involves the focused application of heat to specific acupuncture points on the body using compressed mugwort leaf — known in Chinese medicine as Ai Ye. The warmth generated penetrates deeply into the body, improving circulation, warming and relaxing tense muscles, relieving pain, and restoring the smooth flow of Qi and Blood.
Treatment is administered in two ways — using moxa sticks held gently over acupuncture points, or using moxa cones placed directly on the skin. Both methods are safe, soothing, and deeply relaxing.
What is Moxibustion?
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a versatile herb with a rich history in traditional medicine across both East Asia and Europe. In Chinese medicine it is prized for its warming properties and its ability to move stagnation, support digestion, and address a range of gynecological conditions. Beyond medicine, mugwort is also celebrated for its unique aromatic qualities and is used in teas, desserts, and savory dishes across Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisine.
What is Mugwort?
Conditions Treated with Moxibustion
We recommend moxibustion as a supplemental therapeutic method for various symptoms. This treatment is often suggested for conditions such as:
Breech presentation during pregnancy
Menstrual issues such as period pain, irregular cycles, fibroids, endometriosis and PCOS
Fibromyalgia
Neuralgia, peripheral neuropathy
Arthritis and joint pain
Fatigue and immune support
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Digestive disorders and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Why Choose Hewwing Acupuncture for Moxibustion in NYC?
With advanced clinical training and years of hands-on experience, Dr. Hewwing brings both precision and warmth to every treatment. Whether you are managing a chronic condition or seeking preventive care, moxibustion at Hewwing Acupuncture is always tailored to your individual needs and integrated seamlessly into your overall treatment plan.
While acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can support many different health-related conditions, treatment is always personalized — whether you are managing a chronic condition or seeking relief from everyday stress. Here are some of the most common conditions we treat:
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Chronic and acute pain conditions including back pain, neck and shoulder tension, headaches, migraines, joint pain, arthritis, sciatica, neuropathy, and sports injuries. Acupuncture is one of the most well-researched and widely recommended integrative treatments for pain management.
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Comprehensive fertility support for both women and men, including preparation for natural conception, IVF and IUI support, unexplained infertility, and recurrent miscarriage. Dr. Hewwing takes a whole-body approach to optimizing reproductive health through acupuncture and individualized herbal medicine.
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Integrative care for hormonal imbalances including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, adenomyosis, irregular menstrual cycles, painful periods, fibroids, and perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. Dr. Hewwing is highly experienced in addressing the root causes of hormonal disruption using both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine.
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Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine are highly effective for managing stress, anxiety, burnout, insomnia, and emotional exhaustion. Treatment works by regulating the nervous system, lowering cortisol levels, and restoring the body's natural equilibrium — leaving patients feeling calmer, clearer, and more resilient.
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Support for inflammatory conditions including autoimmune disorders, eczema, acne, psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue. Chinese herbal medicine in particular is highly effective at modulating immune response and reducing systemic inflammation.
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Integrative oncology support for patients undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help manage the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, including nausea, fatigue, pain, neuropathy, and immune suppression — supporting quality of life throughout the treatment journey.
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Support for metabolic conditions including thyroid disorders, diabetes management, weight management, and digestive health. Chinese medicine addresses metabolic imbalances at their root, promoting healthy energy regulation and overall vitality.
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Specialized care throughout all stages of pregnancy, including morning sickness, back and pelvic pain, anxiety, breech presentation, and labor preparation. Dr. Hewwing provides safe, evidence-informed treatment tailored to each stage of pregnancy.
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Gentle, effective care for younger patients navigating growing pains, hormonal changes, menstrual irregularities, stress, anxiety, and immune health. Dr. Hewwing has extensive experience treating adolescents and creates a calm, welcoming environment for younger patients.
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Integrative support for bladder and vaginal health concerns including interstitial cystitis, recurrent UTIs, overactive bladder, and vaginal dryness. Chinese medicine offers effective, natural solutions for conditions that are often undertreated in conventional medicine.
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"Dr Samantha Hewwing is AMAZING! I’ve done acupuncture with a trusted doctor for the majority of my life, but then I moved to NYC. She’s great!!! She knows her stuff.."
—Annie L.
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"Samantha took a holistic approach and thought about the best course of action for me whether it was acupuncture or other techniques."
— Hannah B.
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"Samantha is super kind and informative. This is a much more serious form of acupuncture than I was used to (previous ones I went to were much more- left feeling much more relaxed and light. Definitely would recommend for anyone in need of real holistic treatments."
— Colin K.
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"Favorite Acupuncturist by far! The office is warm and welcoming and Dr. Hewwing’s personality was charming but professional. I highly reccomend her."
— Nancy W.
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"I just had another amazing session with Dr. Hewwing. I can’t recommend her enough! Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been to acupuncture before, Do yourself a favor and go here! It’s an investment in your health! Take steps towards even better health.
— Kam C.