What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion (moxa) is rolled or compressed mugwort leaf (Folium Artemisiae Argyi), which is lit to apply heat to certain areas of the body. Moxibustion can be used directly or indirectly on the body. Indirect moxibustion uses a stick of moxa which has been rolled into a cylindrical stick. Direct moxibustion, places moxa over a protective medium which is then placed onto the skin.
Moxibustions deep penetrating heat and herbal vapor increases the circulation of qi and blood in the area, it warm meridians, reduces swelling, pain and increases immune function.
The Science of Moxibustion
Moxibustion has a wide array of actions on the body.
The heat produced allows for an increase of blood circulation and lymph drainage in the area of application.
It can relax tissue in oxygen-starved areas that cause pain, allowing an increase in blood flow, thereby reducing pain.
It can increase the production of white and red blood cells, showing beneficial immunoregulatory effects.
It has a role to play in depression and anxiety, through the induction of neurotransmitters.
Using Moxibustion
The areas to be used would need to be exposed. When using indirect moxa the stick will be placed above the patients skin and moved using various methods; static, circling, sparrow –pecking and needle-running techniques.
Direct moxa is applied to the skin using a herbal paste or raw herb in-between the moxa and the skin. The use of herbs and paste are combined with the moxa to increase its effects and prevents damage to the skin. Some techniques produce a small insect bite feeling, repeated several times in succession, reinforcing the action of the acupuncture point. Moxa can also be placed onto the needle allowing for heat and vapor to penetrate through the needle. Direct and indirect moxa can be used on most of the body and treatment lasts for 10-15 minutes. The patient will experience a warming sensation and reddening of the skin as the flow of blood increases in that area.
Moxibustion can be used in smoke and smokeless forms.
What canMoxibustion be used for?
Moxibustion can be used for a variety of conditions
Arthritis – Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis
Neurological conditions – Chronic fatigue and pain syndromes,
Sports injuries
Digestive disorders: IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), constipation
Gynecological conditions – painful periods
Infertility – assisted IVF
Breech presentation
Common cold and fatigue
Anxiety and stress
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