What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion, or ‘Moxa’, is a traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves burning a herb called Mugwort to promote healing in the body. In Chinese Medicine, the herb is burned over an area, along a channel, or over certain acupuncture points to stimulate blood flow, warmth, and healing in that region of the body.
The Different Types of Moxa
There are a number of ways Moxa can be used in practice, and the one your practitioner uses will depend on each individual and their specific symptoms. When using direct Moxa, your practitioner may roll the herb into a cone shape and place it directly on the area or acupuncture point. They will light the cone and let it slowly burn. The cone will be quickly removed when you begin to feel warmth, and then replaced with another cone. This process is repeated several times depending on the individual and their condition. The patient should not feel any pain or discomfort, only a sense of warmth.
With indirect Moxa, the herb does not come into direct contact with your skin. One option is where the moxa cone is placed on the end of an acupuncture needle to specifically stimulate that point and allow the heat to penetrate deeply into the area. Sometimes, the practitioner will place salt, garlic, and/or ginger over the point, and then place the moxa cone on top. This provides a protective layer for your skin and the moxa picks up features of these substances as it penetrates your body, further enhancing the treatment. Finally, your practitioner may use a moxa stick. A moxa stick is the herb tightly packed and rolled into a stick (resembling a cigar) which is light and hovered over the point, along the channel or around a general area.
What is Moxa used for?
Moxibustion is typically used on patients suffering with conditions of cold, as the heat from the herb deeply penetrates into the body and warms us from the inside. The warmth from this herb is also very moving for any stuck energy, just like you would use a hot water bottle on a sore muscle, so Moxa is also used for conditions of stagnation.
Conditions Moxa can be used for include:
- Stroke rehabilitation, Bell’s Palsy
- Gastrointestinal issues eg. diarrhoea, colitis, IBS, constipation
- Menstrual pain, endometriosis, fertility
- Bladder problems eg. incontinence
- Musculoskeletal conditions eg. Joint and muscle pain anywhere in the body
- Skin conditions eg. Eczema, rashes, allergies
- Asthma
- Fatigue, chronic fatigue
- Cold and flu symptoms and prevention
Breech Babies
Moxa is most well known for its power to turn breech babies into a normal head-down position to prepare for childbirth. This is usually done from around 34 weeks onwards, and the success rates of the treatment are best in Week 34, slowly decreasing as space in the uterus lessens. To turn a breech baby, your practitioner will indirectly (using a moxa stick) burn the moxa over an acupuncture point on the little toe which can affect the movement and position of the baby. The procedure is considered very safe, and some midwifes are trained in the treatment.
What are the risks?
The most important risk to consider with Moxibustion is the risk of burn. The risk is decreased with the use of indirect moxa, as described above, which is most commonly used in our clinic. The practitioner will be with you the whole time, talking with you to make sure you are comfortable throughout your treatment.
Moxa releases a smoke that smells of the herb. While most people find this a pleasant and relaxing smell, it should be noted that it can cling to hair and clothes after treatment. If you do not enjoy the smell or have problems with the smoke, there are smoke free options available.
Who should avoid Moxa?
Moxa should be avoided if:
- You have an allergy to Mugwort
- You have a sensitivity to smoke
- A lung condition such as asthma that may be affected by the smoke
- On dark patches of skin or over basal cell carcinomas
Book Now
If you are interested in trying Moxibustion, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us or bring it up in your acupuncture appointment. If you feel acupuncture is right for you, you can book your appointment now.
The information in this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.