What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion

 

Moxibustion is a painless, warming technique that utilizes a heated moxa stick over localized areas and/or specific acupuncture points to stimulate them. These moxa sticks are made of compressed mugwort, a herb that has been used for centuries to treat various illnesses and injuries. The soothing heat of the moxa stick penetrates deep into the skin, increasing the flow of Qi, encouraging blood cell production and enhancing immune function.

Moxibustion: An Ancient Technique to Help Warm & Heal the Body

Moxibustion has been utilized in an acupuncture treatment for thousands of years to treat illness and disease. I use moxibustion when a patient presents with the following conditions:

  • Pain due to injury or arthritis

  • Blood Deficiency, meaning they’re Blood is lacking quality or amount

  • Raising Yang, by strengthening their Qi to keep organs and energy in place

  • Cold Patterns whereby their Yang energies require a boost of heat

Cold constricts our bodies tissues; we need a certain amount of heat to keep our circulation of blood and Qi flowing properly so we don’t suffer from pain and disease. Moxa is a safe and effective method of introducing heat back into the body.

Moxibustion can be used for variety of conditions:

  • Pregnancy aches and pains; its famous for correcting Breech presentation

  • Fertility issues for both males and females

  • Gynaecological issues such as painful periods or lack of thereof 

  • Immune boosting properties to regulate body temperature and warding off disease

  • Digestive regulation, whether its constipation, loose stools and diarrhea

  • Numbness and tingling can be lessened by encouraging circulation and blood flow

  • Enhances energy due to its Qi boosting properties, helping to dispel fatigue

  • Alleviates stress and mental anguish due to its soothing, warming effect

  • Pain is treated by warming these areas increasing circulation and lymph flow

What to Expect During Your Moxibustion Treatment

Chinese medicine always treats the individual, where appropriate moxibustion can be utilized to bring balance back to the body.

Moxibustion is typically used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance the effects of both. Once the needles have been in the body for 15 to 20 minutes, I choose the points or areas for the body that could use a boost from the moxa stick.

I hover the heated stick over the body and once the area feels hot, my patient relays this to me and I move onto the next spot. We continue this cycle for a number of rounds until these areas of concern are sufficiently stimulated.

The moxa stick never touches the skin; the objective is to warm the area, never to burn. The moxa sticks I use are smokeless so there is no risk of smoke inhalation or being bogged down in fumes. After a moxibustion session, it’s common to experience a deep sense of warmth, relaxation and rosy cheeks.

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