What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy which increases flow of Qi to acupuncture points by burning moxa close to the skin. Moxa is typically made from Chinese mugwort, a pungent herb that is believed to cause Qi to travel through the meridians of the body adding warmth and possibly by increasing blood flow. Although this practice has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has been gaining traction and popularity in the West, particularly for its usefulness with gastrological and women’s health.
Benefits of Moxibustion:
Moxa is helpful for a variety of cold-related illnesses and ailments, most notably:
Arthritis and Joint Pain
Breech Births
Digestive Issues
Depression/Low Energy
Hot Flashes
Muscle Stiffness and Pain
Menstrual Cramping
Sensitive Immunity
Two types of Moxibustion therapy:
There are two main types of moxibustion therapy: direct and indirect. Direct is when the moxa is burned directly on the skin, which is rarely used in the US; rather, Western practitioners tend to practice one of two indirect methods. Popularized because you can do it at home, the most common indirect moxibustion includes lighting a moxa stick (the rolled mugwort) and holding it close to the skin until the area reddens and is warm. The second common indirect Moxibustion practice includes adding moxa to the point of an acupuncture needle, which is what we do here at Nurture Acupuncture. This is our favorite because it allows us to be precise about warming and activating a specific acupuncture point.
What to expect at my first Moxibustion appointment:
We often let the moxa burn for only a few minutes so that you receive a gentle, warm sensation. One thing worth noting is that the moxa smoke is dense and has a scent similar to marijuana. If you have respiratory issues or are sensitive to the smell, we may choose not to incorporate this practice into your session. Because at Nurture Acupuncture we tend to burn moxa on acupuncture needles, it is typically paired with a complete acupuncture session. If you haven’t had acupuncture before, we recommend you read our other article about Acupuncture.
If it’s your first appointment with us, we will have you fill out some forms so we understand more about your history and reasons to receive treatment. The initial appointment is a bit longer, so we have time to get to know each other and make a plan that fits your unique constitution and goals.
During your appointment, it's likely that you’ll receive a variety of Traditional Chinese Medicine modalities in addition to acupuncture. Here at Nurture, we may practice acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and meditation during your treatment. We will send you home with a care plan, often including nutritional suggestions and recommending Traditional Chinese Herbs as a part of our holistic healing approach. We believe that by offering all of these modalities together you’ll find the approach best for your unique constitution and will learn how to best nurture and take care of yourself in and out of appointments.
We hope to see you soon!