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A Queens woman was left in agony after she sought out a traditional Chinese mugwort treatment for pain relief and relaxation, but was left with “severe burns,” according to a lawsuit.
Young Ma alleged workers at Dodam Acupuncture and Pain Clinic in Flushing burned her during a moxibustion treatment in July, according to the suit filed in Queens Supreme Court on Nov. 9.
Moxibustion involves burning dried mugwort — an herb called moxa — on or near specific acupuncture points on the body to stimulate blood flow, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
It’s been used since about 500 B.C.
Ma argued in the lawsuit that the staff at Dodam “negligently” performed the treatment, leaving her with “severe and painful burns.”
Moxa can be applied directly or indirectly.
When applied directly, burning moxa is placed on someone’s skin until they start to feel the heat.
But in the United States, indirect application is most common since it is safer, according to the Virginia University Integrative Medicine.
It is unclear where on her body Ma was burned, although moxibustion is commonly performed on one’s lower back, abdomen, knees, hands and feet.
She is suing the clinic for unspecified damages.
Ma’s attorney, Gregory Newman, and Dodam declined to comment.
