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| Moxibustion is a therapy in which the herb Artemesia Argyi (or the common substitute species Artemesia Vulgaris) is burned over specific acupuncture points, warming the skin, relaxing the muscles and improving the flow of Qi and blood to the area. The leaves of the herb are most often tightly rolled into a cigar-like incense stick to be held over the chosen points, but can also be applied directly to the top of an acupuncture needle to direct the warmth more deeply into the body. |
| Moxa is an herb that has been used for its therapeutic effect for thousands of years. It is made from the crushed leaves of the plant artemesia vulgaris. Its special properties are very effective in relation to acupuncture. Many conditions people have are caused by "cold" becoming lodged in a meridian (energy pathway), causing pain and/or fatigue. Moxa is an effective method to add heat to the meridian and eliminate the cold. |
| Moxa also moves the "qi" or energy, in places where it is stuck, and builds up the "yang" energy of the body, part of which acts to strengthen the immune system. Moxa therapy is soothing and enjoyable. Although the herb is burned, you are not! Depending on your diagnosis, moxa therapy may or may not be appropriate. |
| What is Moxibustion? |
| What types of Ailments are Helped with Moxibustion? |
| How does Moxibustion Work? |
| In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is used on people who have a cold or stagnant condition. The burning of moxa is believed to expel cold and warm the meridians, which leads to smoother flow of blood and qi. Mugwort, also known as artemesia vulgaris or ai ye in Chinese, has a long history of use in folk medicine. Research has shown that it acts as an emmenagogue that is, an agent that increases blood circulation to the pelvic area and uterus and stimulates menstruation. This could explain its use in treating breech births and menstrual cramps. Although moxibustion has been safely used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, it is not for everyone. Because it is used specifically for patients suffering from cold or stagnant constitutions, it should not be used on anyone diagnosed with too much heat. Burning moxa also produces a great deal of smoke and a pungent odor. Patients with respiratory problems may request that their practitioner use smokeless moxa sticks as an alternative. |
| More on Moxibustion...... |
| In indirect moxibustion, a practitioner lights one end of a moxa stick, roughly the shape and size of a cigar, and holds it close to the area being treated for several minutes until the area turns red. 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. After the desired effect is achieved, the moxa is extinguished and the needle(s) removed. |
Moxibustion may be used to correct a variety of ailments:
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| In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is used on people who have a cold or stagnant condition. The burning of moxa is believed to expel cold and warm the meridians, which leads to smoother flow of blood and qi. |
| The most interesting thing I have found out on moxibustion is that although it uses heat, it cools down the problem area, so the healing mechanism of moxibustion is the same as needle acupuncture. It is through qi that moxibustion does the work, not the direct incoherent heat that we associate with burning. |
