Is this an actual device used in acupuncture?
We are unsure what this might be, but the business name & address are for a place that performs acupuncture. It doesn't seem like something a layman would associate with the practice, but I figured if anyone would know it would be you all.
So, is this actually for acupuncture? If it is, what the heck is it for?
Posted Jun 20, 2022, 8:34 PM UTC
29
I think it could be used for burning moxa?
No foreign objects are used in moxibustion therapy: https://cnjacu.com/moxibustion-acupuncture
Sorry, but that's not correct. I'm an acupuncturist and I think it looks like a moxa warmer. You put a ball of the mugwort in the hole and then the metal plate underneath transmits the heat. There are all kinds of tools used in moxibustion. That article is missing some information. All you have to do is google moxa warmer or moxa bowl to see that all kinds of "foreign objects" are used. There are also little metal hats that go on the needles to hold moxa cones.
I'm also an acupuncturist and I second this interpretation. Not something I use in my practice, but they exist. Also, the above article has multiple inaccuracies.
the metal is too thick for the heat from the moxa to penetrate through it.
that's inaccurate, moxa boxes or warmers exist, hell, even devices for toilet bowl moxa exist. even ginger or garlic slice moxa could be considered a "foreign object"