One of the benefits of working with a holistic health care practice is that you have access to alternative natural methods to heal and cure disease. For those unaccustomed to traditional Chinese medicine and other ancient therapies, these techniques may seem foreign – but for those looking to try a natural solution to specific healthcare issues, these techniques may provide the needed answer. Moxibustion is one such treatment.
Moxibustion is a type of heat therapy in which dried plant materials (known as moxa) are burned on or very close to the surface of the patient’s skin. The goal of moxibustion is to energize the flow of Qi in the human body and dissipate specific pathogenic influences.
Moxa is typically made from dried Chinese mugwort, but it can also be made of other dried leafy substances.
What Can You Expect at a Moxabustion Session?
In the United States, the most common method of practicing moxibustion is to hold a burning moxa stick close to the skin but not touch the skin’s surface. A moxa stick is made of dried materials and compressed. The instrument looks quite a bit like a large cigar, lit and allowed to smolder to give off a specific form of healing heat.
The lit moxa stick is positioned over areas of the body, often associated with acupuncture points. The glowing end of the bar is held steadily about an inch or two above the skin. This is continued until the area turns reddish in color and is infused with heat. Patients typically report experiencing a flood of warmth that radiates along a specific pathway away from the application site. This is a desirable side effect, as it indicates that the flow of Qi has been released.
When is Moxibustion Appropriate?
Moxibustion is used to treat many types of conditions and health issues.
* Pain due to arthritis, mainly when heat is traditionally used for treatment
* Constipation and other digestive issues
* Immunity protection against cold and flu viruses
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners will often perform acupuncture and moxibustion in the same session – when appropriate to the situation. Many believe that the dual therapies, when used in conjunction with one another, strengthen the other’s effectiveness.
However, moxibustion differs from acupuncture in a significant way. A trained practitioner performs acupuncture in a professional setting. Moxibustion, however, can be easily accessed at home. Many Chinese medical practitioners teach their patients to use a moxa stick on themselves to maximize the effect of the treatment between appointments.
What Does the Burning Moxa Stick Smell Like?
There are two minor downsides associated with the practice of moxibustion: smoke and smell. Although there are some smokeless moxa options, the preferred true moxa, made from Chinese mugwort, does release a significant amount of smoke when in use. TCM clinics are typically well ventilated and have air purification systems – so if you are going to practice this treatment at home, you may wish to invest in a home air purifier of some sort.
However, the odor produced from burning mugwort does resemble the smell of marijuana, which may cause people to worry or feel self-conscious.
Would You Like to Learn More About Moxibustion?
At Longevity Wellness Clinic, we are dedicated to teaching our patients about alternative, natural and healthy ways to treat medical issues. If you are in the Sarasota or Bradenton area, call us today for more information regarding your specific situation.