What is Moxibustion?

Traditional Chinese Medicine encompasses many different modalities and methods of treatment. It is not uncommon when seeking treatment from an acupuncturist to recommend other therapies to compliment the effects of acupuncture. One such therapy is moxibustion. Below, you’ll find information about what moxibustion is, how it works, and what it can treat.  

Moxibustion is a practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves burning moxa (sticks or cones made of mugwort) on or near acupoints along your meridians. It is commonly done at the same time as acupuncture treatments. There are two methods of moxibustion — direct and indirect. 

With direct moxibustion, the cones or sticks are placed directly on your skin at the treatment points, where they are lit and burn until your skin starts to redden, and you begin to feel the heat. Sometime, moxa will be affixed to acupuncture needles rather than be placed directly on the skin. 

Indirect moxibustion is more commonly practiced as it lowers the risk of accidental burns. With this method, the moxa does not come into direct contact with your skin. Practitioners hold the moxa about an inch above the treatment point, removing it only once your skin begins to redden and warm. Alternatively, your practitioner may use salt or garlic as an insulating barrier between the moxa and your skin.  

The goal of moxibustion is to restore the smooth flow of vital energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”), and blood throughout your body. The heat stimulates these points and improves any deficiency of yang in your body. A balance of both Yin and Yang are needed to maintain optimal health. Too much Yin in your body can result in cold hands and feet, weakened immune response, and poor circulation. The burning of moxa will raise your body’s temperature and introduce more heat, meaning Yang, into your system. 

The heat from burning moxa also improves circulation. Blood flow is increased in the areas being treated, which results in oxygenated blood flowing more freely throughout your body, as well as relieving pain in your muscles and joints. 

Moxibustion provides relief from health conditions caused by cold pathogens or Yang deficiency. It’s also known to be effective for turning breech babies without the need for more intensive medical intervention. The following are some of the more common issues people receive moxibustion treatment: 

Breech births 

A breech birth or pregnancy occurs when a baby is positioned feet- or bottom-first in the uterus in the later stages of the pregnancy. This presents a greater risk both to the baby and mother if the baby cannot be repositioned to be head-first. Moxibustion has been shown to be quite effective at getting the baby to turn around on its own. 

Menstrual cramps 

Also called primary dysmenorrhea, menstrual cramps occur during menstruation when uterine contracts occur less than 10 minutes apart. Moxibustion increases the circulation of oxygenated blood to treated areas, which has the effect of relaxing tense and cramping muscles. 

Chronic and acute pain 

Heat has long been used to relieve pain. The heat from moxibustion is soothing on it’s own, but the treatment also promotes greater blood flow to the treated areas, as well as improving overall circulation. The increase of oxygenated blood to your soft tissues, muscles, and tendons will relax any stiffness or soreness you’re experiencing. 

Gastrointestinal issues and cancer-related nausea 

Having either a deficiency of Yang or too much Yin can result in disrupted digestion. This manifests in bloating, nausea, heart burn, diarrhea, or vomiting. Moxibustion is effective at correcting Yin and Yang imbalance, which provides immediate relief of gastrointestinal issues. 

Interested in trying moxibustion? Book a consultation appointment with Maisy to discuss whether this treatment is right for you.