The Many Healing Applications Of Moxibustion Therapy

Moxa or moxibustion is an ancient form of heat therapy that originated in China. Its healing power is derived from the burning of the grounded leaf of a Mugwort plant (Artemesia vulgaris) and applied on or just above the skin. The plant is either pulverized and made into tiny cones or rolled into a stick called moxa. During a moxa procedure, a fulminating Moxa stick is hovered just above an acupuncture point just a few centimeters away from the skin. The practitioner carefully observes the degree of heat applied and collaborate with the patient in order that an acceptable and safe healing degree of heat is attained and maintained that’s comfortable to the patient.

A smoldering moxa emits a distinctive aroma that a lot of people find soothing. This aroma is due to the essential oils found in Mugwort which have a considerable influence as a form of medicinal incense or aromatherapy. Mugwort has been used by shamans and healers for hundreds of years to banish evil. In Europe, it has been a folk practice to place the herb into dream pillows to help ward off bad dreams and evil spirits.

In general, moxibustion has just about the same healing effect as acupuncture. Medical studies show, however, that moxibustion wields a much stronger and wider effect on general biochemical changes in the body compared to acupuncture. Moxibustion, for instance, boosts the creation of white blood cells in the body. After a direct moxibustion procedure, the white blood cell count immediately starts to rise.

Moxibustion also boosts the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells. Clinical studies confirm that prior to moxibustion subjects with a 78 percent hemoglobin ratio experienced a gradual rise in hemoglobin production that reached a peak of 90 percent within eight weeks.

Moxibustion also tends to have a general positive effect on lymph and blood circulations as well as helps increase the body’s ability to produce antibodies. Impulses from nerve endings of the skin caused by extreme heat of burning Moxa just above the acupuncture points cause the small blood vessels (capillaries) to dilate increasing lymph and blood circulations within the whole body. More often than not, this causes the patient to feel relaxed, warm, and sleepy. Moxibustion can be especially beneficial for people who constantly suffer from weak blood circulation or for those who often have cold sensations in their feet and hands.

One of the most ideal uses for moxibustion is for the treatment of severe diarrhea. For this condition, the acupuncturist places salt in the umbilicus of the lying down or supine patient and then places a moxa cone to administer direct moxibustion treatment on top of the patient’s umbilicus. The salt serves a dual purpose: to protect the skin from the heat and to facilitate the conduction of heat into the body. This therapy is extremely effective; it helps the large intestine quickly regulate the re-absorption of water.

Moxibustion Therapy of the St-36 Acupuncture Point for Maximum Oxygen Intake and to Extend Longevity

One of the most commonly targeted points in moxibustion therapy is the Hsu san Li (‘Foot Three Miles’) point or Stomach 36 (St 36) point. It is located a hand’s width below the knee cap (patella). It is usually used in indirect Moxibustion therapy to stimulate the immune system, improve digestive function, and enhance endurance.

Clinical studies now assert that oxygen Intake can be maximized by stimulating the St-36. The effect of Maximum Oxygen Uptake has been known to improve and accelerate recovery time from conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. It’s been also shown that Maximum Oxygen Uptake also reduces the rate of cancer. Hence, we may posit that the modern concept of maintaining health by boosting Maximum Oxygen Uptake follows the same principle as the ancient wisdom for extending longevity by stimulating the St 36.

The effect of stimulating the St-36 also reaches the entire stomach energy channel as well as the stomach organ system. Also, since the St 36 is located on the leg, stimulating it also benefits the leg and even the health of the entire body.

Preventing Illness and the Rise of Symptoms

The prevention of illnesses is perhaps the most important factor In Chinese medicine, including moxibustion and acupuncture. Ancient Chinese medicine healers closely monitor the early stages of health decline in their patients and try to prevent the illness from advancing any further. For them, treating the illnesses at this stage is much easier. They call this stage ‘Mi Bing’ which means ‘before sickness.’ ‘Mi Bing’ is tightly associated with moxibustion on the St-36 and the concept of longevity.

Smoking Cessation Therapy by Combining the LI 4 (Hegu) & St-36 (Hsu San Li) Acupoints

Since the St-36 is used for a wide variety of illnesses, Saratoga Springs acupuncturists use it along with several other acupoints. One of the most frequently used combinations of points is the St 36 with the LI 4 (Large Intestine 4) point. According to the ‘Modern Clinical Necessities for Acupuncture’ combination of these points is considered a potential way of helping one halt smoking for good.