Moxibustion is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the burning of mug wort close to or on the skin surface. This herb is understood to enhance healing when used alone or alongside Acupuncture. Its purpose is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of energy (Qi), and maintain good health.
What happens during moxibustion therapy?
Moxa cones may be left directly on specific sites of the body. The therapist ignites one end of the cone and leaves it to burn until your skin starts to turn red, and you feel the heat, at which point it is removed.
The practitioner may also hold a burning moxa stick above a specific area of the body often corresponding to acupuncture points or place it on the end of an acupuncture needle. The heat is transferred to the acupuncture point or through the needle. Another indirect use of moxa entails using an insulating layer of salt or garlic below the burning moxa or alternatively, they may also use it in a box which is placed on the body.
Is moxibustion painful?
Moxibustion should not be painful. It is common for clients to feel a flooding of pleasant warmth that quickly radiates along specific energy channels of the body creating deep relaxation and pain relief.
What can moxibustion treat?
Moxibustion is used to treat the following conditions
- Digestion such as constipation, diarrhoea, and colitis
- Women’s Health such as menstrual pain and fertility issues
- Pain such as musco-skeletal symptoms, arthritis
- Pregnancy conditions including breech presentation in late term pregnancy