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Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine
technique that is commonly used with Acupuncture treatments.
It involves the burning of a spongy herb called mugwort (Artemisia
vulgaris). The moxibustion process has been used to facilitate the healing
by stimulating the flow of qi, and strengthening the blood.
What is moxibustion
used for?
Moxibustion is typically used with individuals who suffer
from excess cold and qi stagnant. The burning of moxa expels
cold and warms the body. This leads to smoother flow of qi
and blood. Moxibustion has been used to reduce the pain of
arthritis, bronchial asthma, digestive disturbances, symptoms
of menstrual cramps, stimulate the labor and to turn breech
babies into a normal head-down position prior to childbirth.
Many Chinese master
use moxa to improve the general well being of their patients.
Research has indicated that moxa increases and strengthens
the blood and the entire immune system.
How does the moxibustion process work?
There are two types of moxa: direct and indirect. In direct
moxibustion, a small cone-shaped amount of moxa is placed
on the skin at an acupuncture point and burned. There are
two different methods of using the direct method of moxa;
there is the scaring and the non-scaring method. Typically
in the US we use the non-scaring method due to its less traumatic
affect.
In the US the indirect
method is generally preferred. In indirect moxa, a moxa stick
the shape of a cigar is held close to the area being treated.
The moxa stick can be held in one place, rotated in circles,
or 'pecked' in a motion (similar to a bird pecking at food)
over the area to be treated. The practitioner places his finger
next to the area being stimulated to maintain a comfortable
level of heat. This insures that the patient will be free
from the risk of being burned.
Another method utilized
with indirect moxa involves the placement of a cone of moxa
on the tip of an Acupuncture needle. The moxa is then ignited
and allowed to burn until it exhausted.
What is moxibustion used for?
Moxibustion is typically used with individuals who suffer
from excess cold and qi stagnant. The burning of moxa expels
cold and warms the body. This leads to smoother flow of qi
and blood. Moxibustion has been used to reduce the pain of
arthritis, bronchial asthma, digestive disturbances, symptoms
of menstrual cramps, stimulate the labor and to turn breech
babies into a normal head-down position prior to childbirth.
Many Chinese master
use moxa to improve the general well being of their patients.
Research has indicated that moxa increase and strengthens
the blood and the entire immune system. |
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