Moxibustion is a technique often used along with acupuncture for many different purposes. It involves burning an herb called artemesia or mugwort on or near acupuncture points. The pieces of moxa vary in size, from the size of a thread, to a rice kernel or to a cone with the base the size of a dime. These can be placed on the skin and lit, and then removed as the patient feels a bit of heat. Moxa can be used indirectly in a tool and waved over the skin. It warms and activates the points and can be used to help build energy when someone has gotten weak, help reduce swelling and soften tight areas. It is known now in the media even though it is an old treatment for encouraging turning of breech babies, as a study of this practice was published several years ago in JAMA. It can also be used to enhance fertility and recovery from some fertility medical procedures, so that the woman is more comfortable.