Moxibustion-septic shock and necrotizing fasciitis

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese treatment that has been utilized for centuries. It also plays an important role in traditional Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese and Mongolian medicine. It is considered safe by practitioners of Alternative Medicine, similar to acupuncture treatment, and consists of burning plant materials called “moxa” on or very near the surface of the skin near meridian points. Traditional practitioners believe that it can be effective against chronic conditions and improve blood in one’s body. However, Moxibustion is not without risk to the patient. This case report describes a case of a patient whose moxibustion treatment led to septic shock secondary to necrotizing fasciitis.