In ancient China, mugwort has been an important plant for people's livelihood. "Moxibustion" commonly used in acupuncture. The so-called acupuncture is actually divided into two parts. "Acupuncture" means to use needles to prick the acupuncture points, while "moxibustion" means to light mugwort and then fumigation and hot the acupoints. Although the acupuncture points are stimulated by heating, not just any paper or grass can be used as "moxibustion" when lit. The smell of mugwort must have played a role as well. When Chinese folk use cupping to treat rheumatism, using mugwort as fuel is more effective.

Practitioners use moxa sticks to warm areas and meridian points, with the goal of stimulating circulation through the points and inducing smoother blood and air flow. Some believe it can treat conditions associated with "cold" or "yang deficiency" in traditional Chinese medicine. Moxibustion is said to relieve coldness and dampness in the body and can act to rotate the breech position.

The first modern scientific publication on moxibustion was written by Japanese physician Hara Shimetarō, who conducted in-depth research on the hematological effects of moxibustion in 1927. Two years later, his doctoral thesis on the problem was accepted by Kyushu Imperial University School of Medicine. Harrah's most recent publication appeared in 1981.

A Cochrane review found limited evidence for the use of moxibustion to correct breech presentation in babies and called for more experimental trials. Moxibustion is also used to treat pain, cancer, stroke, ulcerative colitis, constipation, and high blood pressure. The systematic review found that the studies were of low quality and the positive results may be due to publication bias.

Parallel Uses of Mugwort

Mugwort from other herbs is often applied as a smudge stick. The Chumash people from Southern California have similar rituals. Europeans placed mugwort under their pillows to inspire dreams; the herb is associated with magical practices in Anglo-Saxon times.