Moxibustion Acupuncture
Moxa is a processed form of Mugwort Leaf, Artemisiae Argy Folium/Ai Ye, that has been used for over 2000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In fact, the characters for acupuncture in Chinese cannot be written without the character for Moxa, they are so entwined in practice. Mugwort has been used across the world in every culture’s folk medicine that had access to the plant, being named for the Greek Goddess Artemis and is often used for gynecological issues (among MANY other things.)
Moxibustion is simply the practice of using moxa, which has been processed into moxa “wool” and comes in many forms. The moxa is burned, emanating infrared heat and smoke. Moxibustion is typically done using a small cone or stick made of compressed mugwort that is burned and held over specific points on the body, either directly or indirectly. Here are the different methods.
Direct Moxibustion
A small cone or ball of moxa is placed directly on the skin or on top of an acupuncture needle and then lit. This method is used for a short period of time to generate a warm sensation in the area.
InDirect Moxibustion
A practitioner will use moxa that is wrapped around the end of a needle or placed on top of a slice of ginger, garlic, or salt and then burned. This is held about an inch above the skin at the acupuncture point, generating a gentle heat that penetrates the skin and tissue.
Moxibustion with a Moxa Box
A practitioner will light moxa inside a box and allow the smoke and heat to penetrate the skin. The box is typically placed on the skin above the acupuncture point, with a layer of cloth in between the box and the skin to prevent burning.
The choice of method depends on the patient's condition, the acupuncturist's experience, and personal preference. Moxibustion is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, and the two methods are believed to complement each other, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
What we use moxa for in treatment rooms
Warming the Channels/Meridians-Expelling Cold Pain Relief
Pain that gets worse in the cold, or old injuries that occurred in a cold environment (remember that ski trip injury?) will usually respond well to a treatment involving moxibustion.
Managing inflammation-Improving Circulation and Stagnation
Moxibustion manages inflammation from both infection and trauma by stimulating the circulatory system. Moxa increases the flow of qi and blood to the areas used.
Improving Immunity
Moxa specifically increases white blood cell counts. For this purpose moxa is usually instructed to be used at Zu San Li, Stomach 36 point on the lateral upper leg. See directions below.
Turning Breech Babies
A study of 226 women showed that moxibustion acupuncture resulted in a 27% decrease in risk of having a breech baby at birth, and a 21% decrease in risk of having a cesarean section.
How to use this weird stick my acupuncturist gave me?
*We suggest doing your moxibustion treatment OUTSIDE, this is a smoky and smelly process.
First, gather the following items:
A lighter or candle. Moxa lights slowly, like a cigar. A torch lighter or a candle are the easiest.
A ceramic or glass bowl with a layer of rice or sand to extinguish the stick. You can also use a jar with a lid and a layer of rice or sand to extinguish and store the moxa in for future use.
A small bowl to tap ash into.
A towel or foil to place under the area you are treating to catch any falling ash.
A cup of water, just in case.
Instructions for At-Home Moxa Treatments
Light the end of the moxa stick over the flame you are using. This takes a few minutes to get a nice glowing end on the stick.
Brush off any ash that has accumulated around the head in your ash cup.
Hold the moxa stick like a pencil about 1-2 cm above the acupuncture point or points your practitioner has instructed you to use. Use only the points or areas prescribed.
DO NOT TOUCH THE MOXA TO YOUR SKIN, PAY ATTENTION TO THE PROCESS.
IT WILL BURN YOU.
The moxa stick can be moved in small circles over the point, a short left to right motion, or in a pecking motion, closer and further away from the point, staying in the 1-2 cm range from the skin. The area may redden.
The moxa should feel pleasantly warm and will suddenly feel very hot. This can take several minutes, be mindful and patient.
At this point move to the next selected point or to the point on the other side of the body.
If not given more specific instructions, doing 3-5 rounds per point or 3-10 minutes per side or area is a general guideline.
Contraindications for moxibustion
Do not perform moxibustion if you are feeling unwell or have a fever.
Do not get too close to the skin surface, moxa will burn badly.
Those with neuropathy should use extreme caution or leave this to their practitioner.
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