Moxibustion represents a heat therapy method involving the burning of dried plant materials known as “moxa” on or near the skin’s surface. The purpose is to gently heat and stimulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) within the body, while also dispelling specific harmful factors.
Moxibustion is a therapeutic technique that involves the controlled burning of dried plant materials known as “Moxa” either on or very close to the skin’s surface. The primary goal is to enhance the body’s Qi flow, warming and invigorating it, while dispelling specific harmful influences.
Typically, Moxa is crafted from dried mugwort leaves.
During your treatment session, you can expect the controlled burning of Moxa in various forms, such as rolls, cones, or sticks, near but not touching the skin. This generates a deep and penetrating heat.
The smoldering Moxa is applied to specific areas, often corresponding to acupuncture points, holding it about an inch or two above the skin until the area becomes warm and reddened.
The duration of cup placement typically ranges from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the specific condition being treated. In some cases, multiple cups may be simultaneously applied to various areas of the patient’s body. Additionally, certain practitioners may choose to apply small quantities of medicated or herbal oils to the skin just before the cupping procedure. This allows them to glide the cups along specific acupoints or meridians after the cups have been affixed.
Patients undergoing moxibustion often describe experiencing a sudden, soothing warmth that radiates along a specific pathway away from the application site.
Moxibustion and acupuncture can complement each other in the same therapy session when deemed appropriate. Unlike acupuncture, which is typically administered by a trained practitioner in a clinical setting, moxibustion can also be performed at home. Many practitioners educate their patients on self-administering moxa to enhance the effects of clinical sessions between appointments.
One minor inconvenience associated with moxibustion is the presence of smoke and odor. While there are smokeless moxa varieties available, true moxa made from mugwort tends to produce significant smoke when burned. The lingering scent of burning mugwort is somewhat similar to marijuana but carries none of its effects.
It is advisable to wear loose clothing for your therapy sessions, and it is not recommended to consume a large meal, strong coffee, or alcohol just before treatment.
Falling asleep during a moxibustion session is quite common and nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, many clients find themselves drifting into a deep sleep due to the treatment’s relaxing nature.
No need to worry about anything else – just bring yourself, and we’ll take care of the rest!
After your session, you should feel exceptionally calm and relaxed, particularly when moxa heat has been incorporated into your treatment.
Pain resulting from injury or arthritis, especially in cases where warmth provides relief
Digestive issues and irregular elimination
Gynaecological and obstetrical conditions, including breech presentation in late-term pregnancy
Protection against cold and flu strains
