Moxa

Moxibustion { Heat Therapy }

Moxa or moxibustion is a traditional Chinese Medicine therapy used to warm meridians of the body. it helps stimulate circulation and induces a smoother flow of blood and energy (qi) within the body.

What is Moxa made of & how is it used?

Moxibustion is made from dried mugwort. There are several methods that moxibustion can be applied to the body.

Moxa can be applied directly to the body by placing a small cone of moxa onto the the desired acupuncture point (figure 1). Indirect moxa involves holding a cigar made of moxa over the acupuncture point to heat the skin, or holding it on an acupuncture needle inserted in the skin to heat the needle (figure 2).

This simultaneous use of moxibustion along with acupuncture intensifies the therapeutic benefit of the given acupuncture point.

How is Moxa beneficial to the body?

Moxibustion is especially effective in the treatment of chronic conditions, it can be used for:

  • Pain due to injury or arthritis, especially in “cold” patterns where the pain naturally feels better with the application of heat
  • Digestive problems and irregular elimination
  • Gynecological and obstetrical conditions, including breech baby in late term pregnancy
  • Protection against cold and flu strains

According to Chinese Medicine Moxa is primarily used to treat a deficiency of ‘yang’ energy in the body. The ‘Yang ‘energy governs movement and warmth within the body.

Symptoms of Yang deficiency include a general feeling of cold in the body, cold hands and feet, fatigue, incontinence or loose stools. Although, these symptoms must be differentiated by the practitioner as they may have other causes.

Practitioners often do both acupuncture and moxibustion in the same clinic session when appropriate to the diagnosis and treatment strategy. Practitioners believe that the therapies increase each other’s effectiveness when used together.

At Zenas Natural therapies patients are given a smokless moxa stick with an instruction manual to use regularly at home. This helps strengthen the effect of the treatments inbetween appointments.