Like acupuncture and gua sha, moxibustion is rooted in ancient Chinese medicine. The technique involves burning mugwort, a small, spongy herb, which facilitates healing. It was used throughout Asia for thousands of years to stimulate the flow of qi, boost the immune system, relieve chronic pain, and maintain overall health. Moxibustion is a soothing therapy with many health benefits, especially when combined with acupuncture.
It is essential to ensure your moxibustion treatment is administered by a professional. Despite the appearance of easy application and the wide availability of moxa sticks, do not administer moxibustion to yourself. Body Mind Wellness Acupuncture can help you experience the benefits of moxibustion by tailoring the treatment to your individual needs.
What is Moxibustion?
As with all traditional forms of Chinese medicine, the goal of moxibustion is to bring the body into balance and ensure a consistent flow of qi. This is achieved by burning moxa, a spongy substance obtained from the dried leaves of an Asian plant related to mugwort. There are many types of moxibustion, so therapists have several choices in the application and form of “moxa” to use for their patients.
Therapists can use direct or indirect methods to administer a moxibustion treatment. Both have benefits and drawbacks, and the modality we offer at Body Mind Wellness Acupuncture will depend on your condition and preferences.
Indirect moxibustion is generally the more prevalent form because there is a much lower risk of burning or pain. In indirect moxibustion, the therapist lights one end of a moxa stick, approximately the shape and size of a cigar, and holds it near the treatment area for several minutes until it turns red.
Another form of indirect moxibustion uses both acupuncture needles and moxa. An acupuncture needle is inserted into an acupoint. The end of the needle is then wrapped in moxa and ignited, generating heat to the point and the surrounding area. After achieving the desired effect, the moxa is extinguished, and the needles are removed.
The Healing Benefits of Moxibustion
Moxibustion or moxa is a therapeutic healing technique. In addition to its health benefits, many patients find the burning of moxa to be extremely comforting. Its warmth and scent create an atmosphere of deep relaxation.
The many health benefits of moxibustion include the following:
- Stimulates circulation of qi and blood
- Eases anxiety disorders and specific symptoms of depression
- Improves female health problems like menstrual irregularity, infertility, and breech pregnancy
- Relieves male health issues such as impotence and poor sperm quality
- Increases resistance to cold and flu
- Stimulates the immune system to fight more serious illnesses and to keep the body healthy
- Regulates the digestive system to relieve constipation and chronic diarrhea
- Reduces the risk of developing blood clots
- Lessens side effects of conventional cancer treatment
- Strengthens qi and eliminates general fatigue
In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is considered equivalent in healing power to diet, exercise, cupping, and meditation. It can alleviate pain and provide relaxation without medications or surgery. Moxibustion is easily combined with all forms of acupuncture and complements a variety of treatments in medicine.
Contact Body Mind Wellness Acupuncture Today!
At Body Mind Wellness Acupuncture, we take the time to listen to your health concerns and provide honest answers and natural solutions. We ensure that each moxibustion session is valuable for your health, wellness, and beauty. We have a clean, new office with a feng shui environment so you can unwind and enjoy the process. As each patient and case is unique, we tailor each treatment strategy to produce desired results.