Moxabustion

What is Moxa? Moxibustion?

Moxibustion (Chinese: 灸; pinyin: jiǔ) is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy using moxa, or mugwort. The herb grows locally and is surprisingly abundant in the northeast.

Medical historians believe that moxibustion pre-dated acupuncture, and needling came to supplement moxa after the 2nd century BC. Practitioners consider moxibustion to be especially effective in the treatment of chronic problems, “deficient conditions” (weakness), and gerontology.

Today moxibustion plays an intrinsic role in Chinese Medicine. Moxa comes in many different forms. Practitioners use moxa to warm regions and acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation through the points and inducing a smoother flow of blood and qi. Research, for example at Mugwort (Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine by Clare Hanrahan) has shown that mugwort acts as an emmenagogue, meaning that it stimulates blood-flow in the pelvic area and uterus. It is claimed that moxibustion militates against cold and dampness in the body and can serve to turn breech babies when burned over the baby toe.

What does Moxa look like?

One can use moxa indirectly on the point with pole moxa. This looks like a cigar and is waved in either circles or in a pecking motion over a point.

Fresh moxa or direct moxa looks fluffy and is quite beautiful. This type of moxa can be rolled into little balls and placed directly on the skin. I use this type particularly for cold conditions like osteoarthritis and any kind of pain condition that improves with warmth. I usually use burn cream as a buffer between the skin and the herb but occasionally I use salt or a slice of ginger, especially on the navel.

Warming needle is when a bit of fresh moxa is placed directly on the tip of the needle. I especially like this for turning breech babies as well as for stimulating the immune system on a point called Zu San Li or ST 36.

The leaves of the mugwort plant, called Ai Ye in pinyin, can be used internally for warming the womb and stopping bleeding. This herb is also fantastic for miscarriage prevention due to cold (progesterone insufficiency or hypothyroidism). For this reason Ai Ye is an invaluable herb for many gynecological formulas.

Moxa has a very distinct smell that can linger on your clothes or in your hair. I have found that most people (especially if they need the herb) really enjoy the sensation and smell of burning moxa. Many report feeling cozy and warm and a general feeling of wellness.