Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a method of heating specific acupuncture points on the body by burning an herb – mugwort – material close to the skin. This technique can be used alone or in combination with acupuncture – the Chinese character for acupuncture means “acupuncture-moxibustion.”
Any type of heat applied to the body can increase the flow of qi and blood. You have likely experienced for yourself how beneficial a heat pack can feel for various kinds of musculoskeletal or womens health related issues.
Heat lamps, heating pads, or warming liniments can give a similar effect to moxibustion. Moxa however has the advantage of being both thermal and infrared, which penetrates more deeply into the tissues and gives a more nourishing and lasting warmth.
What is moxibustion used for?
Moxibustion can be used to maintain and benefit your health as part of tonification treatments to help strengthen the organs and immune system. From a Chinese Medicine perspective, t warms the meridians and expels cold. It can be used to promote circulation over areas of chronic pain or muscle tension. It is especially used for pain that is worse with exposure to cold or damp weather, as with some types of arthritis pain. When applied to acupuncture points that strengthen and lift the qi, moxibustion can boost the immune system and help with fatigue, digestive issues, and much more.
In clinic I often use an electric moxa – a new development where the infrared and thermal heat parallel the effects of moxa without the smoke!