Moxibustion
Mosibustion (or Moxa) is a Chinese Herbal Remedy made of Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris, Ai Ye 艾葉) used to treat Yang deficiencies in the liver, spleen, and kidney which can cause coldness in the body, especially during cold and damp weather. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Moxa’s attributes are bitter, acrid, and warm in nature.
How is Moxibustion administered?
The practice of Moxibustion is quite similar to Acupuncture and are traditionally used together in treatment. Although they are effective individually, their true strength is revealed when they are combined. Heat lamps, heating pads, or warming liniments can give a similar effect to Moxibustion, but the heat combined with the powerful healing properties of the Mugwort plant gives Moxibustion a proven advantage.
Health Benefits of Moxibustion
Moxa is made from the herb Mugwort, which has been well documented for its numerous health benefits throughout many cultures. Typically, you will see Moxa in the form of a stick or cotton. They are administered by being burnt and placed near the skin to stimulate specific acupuncture points with heat. This can help to improve energy (qi) and blood flow, which in turn can help with pain relief and improve your health. Moxibustion can also be beneficial if you regularly feel cold and fatigued, or if the cold and humid environment worsens your symptoms. This also makes a great tool alongside Acupuncture treatment to combat our harsh winter.
Common symptoms that Moxibustion is used for are:
- Chronic pain, tension, and swelling
- PMS, menstrual pain
- Pregnancy support, breech baby
- Increase circulation
- Allergies and asthma
- Lingering or recurrent colds and flu
- And more…
Fun Fact of Moxibustion
In folk medicine, it is believed that the Romans planted Mugwort by roadsides for travellers to put in their shoes to relieve aching feet and protect them from exhaustion!