Moxibustion

What is IT?

Moxibustion, a form of heat therapy, is one of the earliest forms of medical intervention accessed through the channel system and is often named in the ancient texts in conjunction with acupuncture as “zhen jiu” 針灸. Created through the special preparation of the leaves from the mugwort plant (Artemisia Vulgaris), moxa is burned at or above specific acupuncture points, or areas of the body to initiate change and promote healing.

Moxabustion can be used to warm a region of the body (such as the abdomen, joints), or be applied at acupuncture points in order to stimulate circulation. Research has shown that moxa therapy is effective at raising white blood cell count in severely debilitated patients, raising vitality, and is popularly associated with a strategy to reposition breech babies.

VARIOUS FORMS OF MOXABUSTION

Indirect Moxa: In this application, we utilize a form of mugwort that has been compressed into a cigar-like pole that when lit, is held and moved around about 2 inches above the skin. This strategy is used to warm a region or point indirectly.

Needle Moxa: A smaller, pre-formed compression of mugwort can be set at the top end of an inserted acupuncture needle. When lit, the needle conveys a gentle warming sensation to the area needled, and amplifies the depth of intervention.

Direct Moxa: The finest form of mugwort may be rolled into rice-grain sized pieces, and applied more directly to the skin at a specific acupuncture point (atop a protective layer of herbal liniment) and burned (carefully monitored). Slightly larger cone-size forms can also be used, rested on top of a protective layer of salt or a ginger slice, that also impart specific therapeutic value.

Patients tend to find the aroma vaguely comforting and even somewhat familiar.