Moxibustion
- Posted on: Jul 19 2017
Chinese Herb: Ai Ye (Mugwort Leaf, Folium Artemisiae)
Moxibustion (Moxa) means the application of heat to a specific area of the body for the purpose of treating a disharmony. Moxibustion is a unique form of heat therapy used for centuries by acupuncturist. The term zhen jiu, which is often translated into English as “acupuncture,” actually refers to both therapies. Zhen mean to puncture the body with a needle, and jiu refers to using fire to heat acupoints.
Moxibustion involves burning the dried leaves of the Mugwort plant (ai ye; Folium artemisiae) to produce a penetrating heat. In my practice, I typically use a warming needle technique. A series of moxa cones are place on the tip of an acupuncture needle and ignited. The heat that is produced can be directed into acupuncture points, muscle, or joints. Moxa is used to strengthen the immune system, to warm the body, and to bring more qi and blood flow to an area.
Moxa is especially useful for the treatment of pain. Therapies that make use of heat are invaluable for restoring normal circulation to injured areas and encouraging the reabsorption of pockets of stagnant blood and fluids that often remain when the injury is no longer acute. Once stagnant blood and fluids have accumulated in the joint, it can be difficult to restore normal circulation inside the joint. Moxibustion helps to alleviate the residual stiffness that often remains in the joints, preventing complete range of motion, and alleviating chronic pain.
Moxibustion can be used for the following conditions:
- To help reduce residual swelling, pain, and stiffness.
- To disperses remaining accumulations of stagnant blood and fluids.
- To warm injured areas that are cold to the touch, indication inadequate circulation, or when chronic injuries ache in cold, damp weather.
- Arthritis, Rheumatic pain, and chronic pain.
- Decreases bleeding in a prolonged menstrual cycle, warms the womb to enhance fertility, and soothes menstrual pain.
- Abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting.
- Moxa is often cited for its effectiveness in turning breach babies.
If you would like to receive a complementary consultation regarding how Moxibustion can help you, please contact our office to set up an appointment.
Posted in: Acupuncture
