Moxibustion

What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion also called “Moxa”, is a traditional Chinese Medicine therapy which consists of burning dried mugwort on particular points on the body. It can be a cigar-shaped stick or a small pole. They can use it indirectly, with acupuncture needles, or burn it an inch or two above the patient’s skin.
How does it work in our body?
The mild heat of the moxibustion fire and the effect of the drug temperature passes through the meridian conduction. The burning of moxa is believed to expel cold and warm the meridians, which leads to smoother flow of blood and qi.
What exactly does the practitioner do?
- Practitioners hold a burning moxa stick close to, but not touching, the surface of the skin, producing a unique form of very penetrating heat. The smouldering moxa stick is held over specific areas corresponding to certain acupuncture points.
- Another form of indirect moxibustion uses both acupuncture needles and moxa. A needle is inserted into an acupoint and retained. The tip of the needle is then wrapped in moxa and ignited, generating heat to the point and the surrounding area.
What medical conditions are moxibustion recommended for?
According to TCM theory, moxibustion is used on individuals who have a cold or stagnant condition. Moxibustion is recommended for:
- Gynecological disease
- Pain due to injury or arthritis, especially in “cold” patterns where the pain naturally feels better with the application of heat.
- Digestive problems and irregular elimination.
- Protection against cold and flu strains.