ABOUT MOXIBUSTION (MOXA)

What is moxibustion?

A warming and relaxing treatment in which herbs are burned over certain acupuncture points. The main herb used is the Chinese herb ai ye known here as mugwort (L. Artemesia Vulgaris). The essential oils in moxa have a significant effect, as a type of aromatherapy or medicinal incense. This distinctive odor is comforting and pleasing to most people. However if you have a strong sensitivity to smoke, a smokeless variety of moxa is available.

The healing power of moxa

All over the world, mugwort has been known as a plant that keeps evil away. In European folk tradition, mugwort was put into dream pillows to keep bad dreams away. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the moxa warms and activates the Qi and Blood of the body for the treatment of disease and health maintenance. The benefits of moxa are nearly as extensive as acupuncture. Moving Blood and Qi treats virtually any kind of pain such as arthritis, tendonitis, sprains, or strains. It has long been known for regulating the menses and treating menstrual cramps, enhancing fertility, reducing labor pains, and its ability to turn breech babies to the normal position. In light of this it is interesting to note recent research showing that moxa increases blood circulation to the pelvic area and uterus. Its warming properties make it a good choice for many respiratory problems, digestive disorders and autoimmune diseases. It is great for boosting the immune system and bringing restoration to a fatigued body.

What to expect

There are many different ways to treat with moxibustion. The techniques fall into two categories called direct or indirect moxibustion.

Indirect moxa:

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• One of the most common of methods uses a moxa stick which looks like a cigar. The practitioner holds the lit end near certain points or will move it along a channel or area.
• Another approach is to place a ball of moxa on the tip of a needle. This method warms the channel and the surrounding area.
• Or a cone of moxa may be placed on a barrier such as a slice of ginger or a mound of salt which is placed over a point. This allows the healing properties of the barrier to be used as well as the moxa.
• There are also moxa cones that are prepackaged on a platform that has a sticky bottom for placing on parts of the body where it is difficult to balance a cone.

Direct moxa:

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• The cone of moxa is placed directly on the point. It is lit with a stick of incense and it slowly burns down warming the point. The cone is removed before it burns to the bottom letting the warmth penetrate.
• All the above approaches are not in the least painful and generally leave the patient feeling calm, relaxed and centered.

One other method uses just a tiny bit of moxa rolled to the size smaller than a grain of rice. It is placed on the acupoint balanced on its end. This is lit with incense and burns all the way down. Because the point touching the skin is tiny there is a sensation like a pin prick or a slight pinch. This strongly activates the point and works in much the same way as acupuncture.