Moxibustion – Overview

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years; in fact, the actual Chinese character for acupuncture, translated literally, means “acupuncture-moxibustion.” The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of traditional Chinese medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health.

In indirect moxibustion, a practitioner lights one end of a moxa stick, roughly the shape and size of a cigar, and holds it close to the area being treated for several minutes until the area turns red.  In Traditional Chinese Medicine, moxibustion is used on people who have a cold or stagnant condition. The burning of moxa is believed to expel cold and warm the meridians, which leads to smoother flow of blood and qi.

INDICATIONS AND APPLICATIONS FOR MOXIBUSTION To warm meridians and expel cold. To induce the smooth flow of qi and blood. To strengthen yang from collapse. To prevent diseases and maintain health.

From ancient times, the Chinese believed that burning or heating certain points on the body increased circulation “full-bloodedness” and relieved pain. Generally, points near large blood vessels, eyes, and ears are treated by moxa, because acupuncture at these points is deemed inadvisable.

Moxibustion is one of the oldest Chinese medicine therapies, it belongs to the external therapy school of TCM. Moxibustion is a stand- alone therapy or it can be used with other TCM therapies. Moxibustion consists of burning mugwort leaves or moxa, at certain acupuncture points to indirectly heat the points. The heating of the points promotes increased circulation of blood and qi, while also strengthening them.

Moxibustion is used in a similar manner as other TCM therapies, to help balance the body’s energy, to increase the circulation of qi and blood. It helps to offset conditions of too much body coldness, improves the immune system and has a calming effect. In China, moxibustion is used to activate the body’s own medicine which in turn helps one’s body to function optimally.

Moxa Smoke

In China moxa sticks are used to disinfect rooms in hospitals, and people also use moxa to fumigate and cleanse the air in their homes. Breathing of the moxa smoke is considered a healthy thing, since it helps  the functioning of the body. Some people may not enjoy the smell, while others do, but in either case the smoke is not harmful, but rather it promotes a healthy functioning of the body systems.

While we are no longer offering Moxibustion services, we may continue to sell Moxa sticks for our customers personal use if there is a demand, and they are available..