Moxibustion-Warm and Activate the Fire of life, like a twin brother to acupuncture
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that treats and prevents disease by applying the stimulation of warmth and heat to certain acupuncture points and locations of the body. The material for moxibustion is called “Ai Ye” (also know as mugwort-Artemisia Vulgaris in the west). It is in the form of a cone or stick made of the dried leaves of the plant.
Moxibustion has been used in China for thousands of years; in fact, the actual Chinese character for acupuncture, translated literally, means "acupuncture-moxibustion." Moxibustion is like a twin brother to acupuncture to facilitate healing. The purpose of moxibustion is to:
Today, moxibustion is commonly used in conjunction with acupuncture for a wide range of signs and symptoms.
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that treats and prevents disease by applying the stimulation of warmth and heat to certain acupuncture points and locations of the body. The material for moxibustion is called “Ai Ye” (also know as mugwort-Artemisia Vulgaris in the west). It is in the form of a cone or stick made of the dried leaves of the plant.
Moxibustion has been used in China for thousands of years; in fact, the actual Chinese character for acupuncture, translated literally, means "acupuncture-moxibustion." Moxibustion is like a twin brother to acupuncture to facilitate healing. The purpose of moxibustion is to:
- promote the smooth flow of qi(vital energy) and blood, remove obstructions and transform stasis within the meridians, allowing them to be open and free flowing, and therefore, free of pain;
- warm the meridian and expel cold and dampness pathogens from the body;
- strengthen Qi and yang (heat energy) and is used in treating diseases in which either is insufficient; indirectly, it tonifies blood by promoting the creation of more Qi;
- speed healing, improve immunity and maintain general health.
Today, moxibustion is commonly used in conjunction with acupuncture for a wide range of signs and symptoms.
Does it hurt?
The treatments are done at specific acupuncture points or meridians along the body, depending on what condition is being addressed. A lighted moxa stick is placed near the skin surface until the area turns hot and red. The patient is safeguarded from the unlikely risk of burn by the practitioner. Again, the sensation is a relaxing, deep warmth.
The treatments are done at specific acupuncture points or meridians along the body, depending on what condition is being addressed. A lighted moxa stick is placed near the skin surface until the area turns hot and red. The patient is safeguarded from the unlikely risk of burn by the practitioner. Again, the sensation is a relaxing, deep warmth.
Traditional Uses of Moxibustion
Moxibustion has been used by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners to treat acute and chronic pain issues such as back pain, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.
The herb moxa is also used internally to move blood and has been used to stimulate menstruation, improve blood circulation in the pelvic area, and relieve menstrual cramps.
Moxibustion has been used by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners to treat acute and chronic pain issues such as back pain, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.
The herb moxa is also used internally to move blood and has been used to stimulate menstruation, improve blood circulation in the pelvic area, and relieve menstrual cramps.