What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a heat-healing technique in traditional Chinese medicine. It involves the burning of dried mugworts, known as moxa, either directly on the skin or above specific acupuncture points. The heat generated and the therapeutic effect of the herb during moxibustion stimulate these points, facilitating the flow of vital energy or qi and promoting balance within the body.
Why Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is embraced for its ability to invigorate the body’s energy flow and restore balance. The therapeutic warmth of moxibustion can address imbalances within the body, promoting overall well-being and contributing to a harmonious state of health.
How it Works
Moxibustion works by applying moxa heat to specific acupuncture points or regions of the body. The moxa heat stimulates blood circulation, enhances the flow of qi, and promotes the body’s natural healing processes. The choice between direct and indirect moxibustion depends on the individual’s condition and the desired therapeutic outcome. Direct moxibustion involves placing a small cone of moxa directly on the skin, while indirect moxibustion utilizes moxa sticks held above the skin to deliver warmth, or attached to acupuncture needles.
What Moxibustion Can Improve?
- Digestive Disorders: Moxibustion can be used to support digestive health, addressing issues such as indigestion, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). By targeting specific points on the abdomen, moxibustion can help regulate digestive function, alleviate symptoms of indigestion, and bloating, and improve overall gut health. It can also be effective in addressing conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation.[1]
- Menstrual Irregularities: Moxibustion is often employed to regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate menstrual cramps, and address conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It involves burning mugwort near acupuncture points to alleviate menstrual pain, which can stimulate blood and energy flow, dispel cold, and ease any stagnation. It also triggers the release of hormones that induce uterine contractions, reducing menstrual pain and cramps.[2]
- Musculoskeletal Issues: Moxibustion may help relieve pain and stiffness associated with conditions like arthritis, muscle strains, and joint disorders. In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is considered to play a major role in warming and drug effects. Modern medical research has shown that moxibustion is anti-inflammatory, expelling rheumatism, dredging collaterals and relieving pain, improving the body’s immunity, and achieving the effect of treating both symptoms and root causes.[3]
- Respiratory Conditions: Moxibustion is utilized to support respiratory health, addressing conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Moxibustion can support respiratory health, helping manage conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and allergies.[4]
- Fertility: Moxibustion is sometimes used as part of fertility treatments to support reproductive health and balance hormonal levels. Moxibustion is a safe and simple treatment that can be easily combined with acupuncture for a variety of treatments. With respect to Fertility Acupuncture for IVF, the use of Moxibustion leading up to an IVF transfer may be able to help support the quality of the Uterine Lining. The use of moxibustion was also observed to help increase the rate of high-quality embryos and increase transfer day estrogen levels in the same study mentioned above.[5]
- Fatigue: Moxibustion has shown promising results in alleviating fatigue and boosting energy levels by enhancing overall Qi circulation throughout the body. Moxibustion therapy has been applied in Yang deficiency patients for thousands of years in China and it is used widely to relieve fatigue symptoms. A systematic review has suggested that moxibustion has more advantages than acupuncture and drugs in relieving fatigue symptoms and improving clinical efficacy.[6]
Pain Relief with Moxibustion
One of the notable benefits of moxibustion is its result in pain relief. The application of moxa heat to specific acupuncture points enhances blood circulation, relaxes muscles, and modulates pain perception. At Happipuncture, moxibustion is offered as a natural and non-invasive option for individuals seeking relief from pain associated with various conditions.
We help New Zealanders improve their health, and be young in natural, holistic ways. We enjoy helping you feel better, and be better both physically and mentally. To get in touch, contact our team at Happipuncture or call 09-2182992.
