Benefits of Moxibustion

Moxibustion, has the origin in the Japanese word “Mogusa, that translates as “burning plant stick”. Moxibustion, frequently used in conjunction with acupuncture, places the burning herb near the skin (the Chinese method has the moxa rolled like a cigar and the moxa stick is held 2-3 inches above the skin); directly on the skin (Japanese method); or directly on top of the acupuncture needle (both Chinese and Japanese methods). The application of moxa directly on acupuncture points or on the needle increases the therapeutic effect of the treatment when additional heat or energy stimulation is desired.

Moxibustion is one of the oldest and most effective forms of oriental therapy. It is still commonly practiced by patients and family members as a form of home and self-care therapy. It is a technique that originated in China and was introduced to Japan more than a thousand years ago. There are two main types of moxibustion practices in Japan: direct, and indirect. Japanese Acupuncturists adopted both methods but prefer to use direct moxibustion because of its effectiveness. Direct moxibustion is known as Okyu in Japan and this is the what I most frequently use in my practice.

Both direct and indirect methods create heat by burning moxa, an herb derived from drying the underside of the mugwort plant’s leaves. Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris or common Wormwood) is part of the chrysanthemum family. Great variation occurs in the grade of moxa available for therapeutic practice. Okyu uses the highest grade of pure moxa possible, which allows for its application directly to the skin.

Okyu is applied by using the fingers or two wooden boards to roll a small amount of moxa into the size of a sesame seed or half of a grain of rice. This piece is then placed on the skin at an acupuncture point and burned with a special type of incense. The moxa is lit for several seconds and then quickly extinguished before reaching the surface of the skin. The burning moxa is allowed to get close enough to the skin to allow for its laser like heat to precisely enter the desired point.The result is a precise penetrating heat that stimulates the acupuncture point involved without being uncomfortable.

Discomfort is minimized because:

1) only extra-pure moxa is used.

2) the moxa is rolled into the smallest size possible.

3) a thin layer of Shiunko (purple cloud ointment) is applied to the skin prior to lighting the moxa.

Okyu achieves clinical effectiveness through its deep penetrating heat causing a micro-trauma. This stimulates the immune system to elevate blood cell counts (especially white blood cells), which brings ciruclation to the site, strengthening immunity and relieving pain and inflammation.

Traditionally moxibustion has always been used together with Acupuncture but, when done alone, can also achieve excellent results. In Japan, Okyu is used for the treatment of a wide range of disorders, especially neurological and musculo-skeletal conditions. It is also used regularly for the prevention of “dis”ease and the maintenance of health and well being.

Only in Japan are there separate licenses for the practise of acupuncture and moxibustion. This requires practitioners to uphold a high standard of training in moxibustion therapy.

BENEFITS OF MOXIBUSTION

1. Increases and strengthens the immune system. Moxa increases blood cell counts, especially white blood cells which defend the body against infection and foreign invaders.

2. Deep heat penetration: the laser like effect is deeply penetrating and warming to muscles, tissues and joints. Works wonders for arthritis.

3. Reduces pain: the deep heat penetration allows for increased circulation of blood and oxygen into regions not easily accessible by massage or other healing methods.

4. Reduces inflammation: this is best explained by the phrase “fight fire with fire”. The application of deep heat increases circulation, flushes toxins and reduces swelling and edema.

5. Warms the body: many diseases are due to the effects of cold and internal cold or damp. Moxa provides a deep internal warming affect not achieved by topical heat alone.

6. Increases Energy: The warmth and heat provided by the moxa adds energy to the body that boosts one’s vitality, stamina and overall energy.

7. Dissolves muscle tension and knots: the precise laser-like heat penetrates and relaxes knots, triggerpoints and muscle tension.

8. Chronic conditions: body weakness, immune deficiency and chronic fatigue lies at the core of chronic illnesses. Moxa gives the body much-needed warmth and energy to facilitate natural healing.

9. Corrects breech birth presentation: many studies have shown that moxa stimulates blood flow in the pelvis and uterus that’s allowing the malpositioned fetus to correct position.

10. Far-infrared action: Moxa and the carbon ash residue of the burning herb penetrates tissues with far infrared healing action.

I’ve seen it time and time again that moxibustion when done in conjunction with acupuncture, amplifies the healing benefit and effect of the treatment. As many of my patients can attest the healing benefits of moxibustion are profound and almost “miracle-like” in effect!