Uses Of Moxibustion Therapy
A form of heat therapy in Orlando, moxibustion involves burning of pieces of dried plant near or on specific areas of the skin. Moxibustion means moxa (mugwort plant) and bustion (burning). Thus moxibustion means the burning of moxa plant. Artemesia Vulgaris (Mugwort) is a common weed that can be found all around the world. For hundreds of years, it has been used for medicinal purposes in some countries especially in countries of East Asia where it is a very important procedure in treating a wide variety of diseases and ailments. Oftentimes, Chinese medicine practitioners combine moxibustion therapy with acupuncture.
The Aroma Emanating from Moxibustion Therapy
Moxa is chosen for its powerful healing abilities since the heat from dried moxa goes through deeper into the skin whilst providing the skin with gentle comforting heat. Moxibustion treats a small area of the body which helps enhance blood and energy (chi) flow along the meridians (energy channels) generating a change in temperature on different areas of the skin that, in turn, facilitates a flow. A significant rise in white blood cell count has been seen in regions of the body where moxibustion is administered.
How Moxibustion Therapy Is Done
Moxibustion can be used in a variety of ways. One way it’s done is through a process called direct moxibustion. In the method, the practitioner places a small piece of moxa on acupuncture points (acupoints) and directly burns it on the skin. Because this procedure may cause small burns, it’s only used in serious ailments and conditions. The practitioner may sometimes put salt, garlic, a piece of ginger or some other herbs between the burning moxa and the skin to protect the skin and enhance the impact of the treatment. In another technique called the warming needle technique, the practitioner will burn a small piece of moxa stick that’s attached to the topmost tip of an acupuncture needle. This procedure enables the heat to go deeper into the acupoints along the needle.
In the indirect moxibustion technique, the practitioner lights a piece of moxa stick and holds it very near the acupoints carefully avoiding the flame to burn the skin. He may move slowly the stick over the acupoints to give the heat the opportunity to go deep into the acupoints.
Uses of Moxibustion Therapy
Moxibustion can be used for a wide range number of conditions. Its most common usage is for the alleviation of symptoms caused by weak circulation and low energy. A lot of patients say that moxibustion feels like a gentle but profound warm feeling that deeply relaxes them. This is an experience that can never be felt with other superficial heating technique.
The most ideal use of moxibustion therapy is for treatment of “cold dampness pattern” that results in joint pain and ache like arthritis. Many aching and painful joint conditions get exacerbated under cold or humid climate. Because of moxibustion therapy’s warm nature, it is reputed to help tonify the yang energy of a person and treat such illnesses as spontaneous sweating, cold feet and hands, chronic fatigue syndrome, and low energy. It can also treat a lot of gynecological problems and in breech conditions, where it rectifies the position of the unborn baby. It also an ideal treatment for flu and cold; it’s more like getting a flu shot, except that it works regardless of the virus strain since it strengthens immunity.
Spokane Chinese medicine practitioners frequently combine moxibustion with acupuncture to boost and circulation to energize patients suffering from low energy. Give us a call to find out if moxibustion can help treat your condition.