Moxibustion
What is moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique which involves burning moxa (a cone or stick made of ground mugwort leaves, about the same size and shape as a cigar). The moxa is burned either on or along the body's meridians and acupuncture points. It is believed that the heat from this process helps to stimulate these points and improve the movement of qi (energy) through the body.
The practitioner lights one end of the stick and holds it near the skin (not quite touching) for several seconds. The patient experiences a pleasant heating sensation that penetrates into the body. Another method is to wrap small pieces of moxa on the ends of the needles to send heat deep into the acupoints.
What are the benefits?
Moxibustion warms the channels, improves circulation, boosts immunity, and tonifies deficiency. It is not recommended for patients suffering from heat conditions. Due to the pungent odor of the herb, smokeless moxa is commonly used.
Moxibustion is effective in treating:
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Breech birth
- Coldness
- Digestive disorders
- Diarrhea
- Excessive urination
- Fatigue
- Headaches & migraines
- Impotence
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Irregular menstruation
- Joint pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Obesity
- Ulcers