Many people don’t realize that acupuncture isn’t the only type of Chinese medicine out there! Moxibustion, or Moxa for short, is a type of Chinese medicine that uses heat to heal the mind and body. Moxa is actually a combination of heat therapy and acupuncture that is used to treat many different types of pain—including a sore knee, inflammation from arthritis, menstrual cramps.
Moxibustion uses the ground up leaves of the Mugwort plant. The plant is either rolled into sticks (called indirect moxa), or constructed into small cones and burned (direct moxa). When acupuncturists use indirect moxa, their needles are heated by the leaves. When the needles are inserted in the specific acupressure points, the heat is sent deep into the muscles, where it is needed the most. However, indirect moxa can be just as effective, and can be a perfect home remedy for common aches and pains.
The ultimate goal of moxa therapy is to help increase blood circulation in the body. It is believed that moxibustion can stimulate blood-flow in the pelvic area and uterus, helping to naturally turn breech babies. Practitioners also say that the radiant heat produced by the burning moxa plant can penetrate deep into the body, restoring balance, strengthening the immune system from colds, and helping your body heal itself.
Even though you may not have heard of moxibustion therapy, it has actually been around for thousands of years. In different countries all across the world, the Mugwort has a reputation for being a plant that keeps evil spirits away. In European folk tradition, the plant was placed inside pillows to keep bad dreams away.
If you decide to burn your moxa, you might find that it has a very relaxing smell. The essential oils in the plant produce an effect that is similar to that of aromatherapy, helping to reduce anxiety and increase a sense of calm. A stick of burning moxa looks a lot like incense or a cigar. When indirect moxa is used, moxa therapist will hold the stick a few inches from your skin, typically near the acupuncture needles. The therapist is trained to monitor the level of heat, and work with the patient to provide a therapeutic level of heat while keeping the recipient comfortable.
So, if you suffer from those pesky aches and pains, and no other treatments seem to be working for you, consider moxibustion!
