Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy that consists of burning the dried leaf of a herb on or above specific points on the body. This herb is known as mugwort, moxa, or Aì yè in Chinese medicine.
Moxa also helps to smooth the flow of Qi and blood and expel pathogenic influences. The scent of moxa is very distinct and many people find it to have a therapeutic and relaxing aroma.
Internally Ai ye is used to help stop bleeding and warm the womb. It can help stop prolonged menstrual bleeding and alleviate menstrual pain. This herb is bitter and acrid with warming properties and is thought to enter into the spleen, liver, and kidney meridians.
Moxibustion is best known for its use in conjunction with acupuncture points and it is complementary to acupuncture and tui na massage to enhance the effect of the treatment. Moxa therapy has been used in many cultures around the globe for many centuries and there are several techniques to use this powerful herb:
Stick
Moxa stick – is one form of moxa. The practitioner lights one end of a moxa stick, about the shape and size of a cigar, and holds it close to the area being treated for several minutes until the area turns red. (Similar to coming out of a hot shower)
Needle
With a needle – another form of moxa uses acupuncture needles and moxa. A needle is inserted into an acupuncture point and retained. The needle handle is then wrapped in moxa and ignited, generating heat to the point and the surrounding area. After the desired effect is achieved, the moxa is extinguished, and the needle(s) remain in for the duration of the treatment.
Moxa Box or Can
Burned loose in a can or box – the last form we use is a special can or box filled with moxa that is then lit. Once lit, it slowly smolders in the container, releasing heat. The container is wrapped in a towel, to control the amount of heat the patient feels.
What are the benefits of Moxa?
- Pain management
- Increases healing times of Injuries
- Improves arthritic pain, especially when the pain feels better with heat and worse with cold.
- Improvements in Headaches/ Decrease in Migraines
- Benefits Gynecological issues/ Menstrual pain
- Turning breech position of the fetus
- Boosts immunity/ Protection against flu and colds
- Improvements from digestive complaints- It is extremely effective for conditions such as abdominal pain, and diarrhea. There are specific techniques that can be used for these aliments such as salt moxa or ginger moxa. With these techniques either salt or a slice of fresh ginger is placed covering the naval and then a cone of direct moxa is burnt on top of it. Depending on the patient’s underlying pattern will determine which one is best to treat these conditions. These techniques of moxa help to alleviate pain and regulate the large intestines re-absorption of water.
- Vitality Boosting/Longevity promoting benefits – There is a robust history from ancient China and Japan that talks about the daily usage of moxibustion on an acupuncture point called Stomach 36 (Zu San Li). This point is located one hand-width below the patella within the depression on the lateral side of the bone (tibia). This simple daily self-care routine is one of the Chinese Medicines’ most “famous” preventative therapies. The daily usage of indirect or direct moxa on this point helps to increase one’s vitality and longevity. Some of these points’ actions and indications are known to help stimulate the immune system, enhance digestion as well as help treat diarrhea and constipation. It can also increase endurance, alleviate cramps, regulate the body’s Qi, disperse stagnation, and help alleviate pain from the legs and knees.
Pharmacological Effects of Moxa
- Hemostatic – Both fresh and charred forms have been shown to stop bleeding
- Antiasthmatic – Essential oil is best for this purpose
- Antitussive/Expectorant
- Cholagogic
- Antibiotic