Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a traditional healing technique within traditional Chinese medicine. It is a form of heat therapy, involving the burning of a herb (moxa) near specific acupuncture points or areas of the body to stimulate healing and promote well-being. Moxa is the dried leaf of the plant Artemisia Vulgaris commonly known as mugwort, or Ai ye in Chinese medicine. 

Types of Moxibustion

Direct Moxibustion involves placing a small thread or cone of moxa directly on the skin at the acupuncture point and burning it until the skin becomes red or warm. 

Indirect Moxibustion involves burning moxa away from the skin in several ways. 

Moxa may be shaped into a cone and placed on top of a material such as ginger, garlic, or salt which sits on the skin or held slightly above it.

Moxa sticks may be as small as a pen or as large as a cigar and, when ignited, can be held above the acupuncture point or moved around to warm a larger area. 

Moxa may be rolled into a ball and placed on the end of an acupuncture needle, after it is inserted, to boost the effect on the point.

Therapeutic Effects

Moxibustion is believed to have several therapeutic effects, including, warming and invigorating Qi, dispelling cold and dampness, and strengthening the immune system. Moxibustion is sometimes used in obstetrics to encourage the foetus to turn from a breech position to a head-down position before childbirth.

Integration with Acupuncture

Moxibustion is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, with the two modalities complementing each other to enhance therapeutic effects. Acupuncture points may be selected based on TCM diagnosis, and moxibustion may be applied to those points to augment treatment outcomes.

Moxibustion is a versatile and time-honored therapeutic technique that offers a unique approach to healing and well-being within the framework of traditional Chinese medicine.

Moxibustion continues to be practiced and researched for its potential benefits in promoting health and treating various health conditions.

"The greatest wealth is health."

— Virgil