Moxibustion: What Is It?

Moxibustion is a therapeutic method in which mugwort leaves are burned. This little spongy plant is said to improve acupuncture-assisted healing. Thus, heat is applied by burning the leaves just below the skin’s surface with a stick.‌

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Chinese medicine is the source of this technique. Its goals are to uphold health, bolster the blood, and encourage the flow of Qi, or energy. ‌

Chinese medicine holds that your body may heal from a variety of ailments, such as chronic pain and digestive disorders, by increasing the flow of Qi.

What Is Involved in the Process?

It is possible for your moxibustion therapist to use the method directly or indirectly. The moxa cone lies exactly on the area of your body that has to be treated. The cone is lit from one end by the practitioner, who then lets it burn gently. The therapist takes off the cone when you start to feel the heat and your skin starts to get red.‌

In other instances, the acupuncturist lights the moxa after placing it on the needle. The moxa will continue to burn on the needle until it goes out. Through the needle, heat is delivered to the acupuncture site.‌

It is safer and more frequent to use indirect moxibustion. Using this method, your skin is not in close touch with the burning moxa. Rather, the practitioner places it around one inch from your body. They will take the moxa away from the area close to your skin once it starts to get heated and red.‌

Applying a coating of garlic or salt as insulation is another indirect usage of moxa. One of these objects is positioned by the therapist in between your skin and the cone. As an alternative, they can place the substance into moxa boxes, light them, and apply them to the body.

Moxibustion Uses

According to alternative medicine practitioners, the heat produced by moxibustion can aid in improving the body’s overall energy flow. This occurs via certain channels called meridians. According to Chinese traditional medicine, achieving health and wellbeing for your body depends on stimulating its vitality.

The foundation of moxibustion is the idea that energy flow obstructions cause issues with both mental and physical well-being. As a result, it is utilized to treat:

back discomfort

arthritic

Headaches

headaches

stiffness in the muscles

Tendon inflammation

ulcers

Weary

Unable to conceive

cramping with menstruation

Cancer

digestive issues

The advantages of moxibustion

Numerous investigations have been carried out to determine the health advantages of moxibustion therapy. Additionally, they work to determine the procedure’s efficacy and safety in treating a range of medical ailments.

Moxibustion has been shown in one trial to be a very effective treatment for chronic renal disease. When used in large amounts, it has been shown to significantly lower serum creatinine, which is the cause of impaired kidney function.‌

Warm flashes. An investigation on the impact of moxibustion on hot flashes involved 51 postmenopausal women. The therapy’s 14 sessions, the researchers discovered, helped lessen the intensity and frequency of hot flashes.

Colitis that ulcerates. The available scientific data about the application of moxibustion to treat colon inflammation is inconclusive. According to the research, there are no advantages to the method for those who have ulcerative colitis. These investigations, however, were of poor quality. ‌

To determine the safety and effectiveness of moxa heat in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, research is still being conducted.‌

Breech Birth. Moxibustion is regarded as a secure substitute for aiding in breech presentation. This describes a situation in which the infant is placed in the delivery canal with its feet facing forward. This delivery posture is challenging. ‌

A research conducted in 2005 was unable to prove that moxibustion works to improve the disease. They came to the conclusion that further study is required before women seeking a breech birth remedy are advised to try moxibustion. Nonetheless, the study demonstrated that moxibustion can greatly lessen the requirement for medical treatments meant to rectify the appearance. ‌

It is advised that the process be performed by specialists for the greatest results. Obstetricians and midwives with training in acupuncture and moxibustion work at some hospitals. In this instance, acupuncturists must also hold a license.

Potential Moxibustion Complications

For complementary and integrative therapies, moxibustion is a therapeutic method that is worthwhile to attempt. There are a few hazards involved, though, one of which being the possibility of burns. Because of this, it is advisable to continue using the indirect moxibustion method, particularly while working alone. Additional adverse effects that might occur include:

Reactions of mugwort to toxins

vomiting and nausea

Experiencing coughing due to smoke

areas of dark skin

uncomfortable fetus if you are expecting

early birth

One kind of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma.