Moxibustion

How is moxibustion carried out?

There are two ways in which moxibustion can be carried out, either directly or indirectly. When practitioners use direct moxibustion, the moxa cone or rice grain is gently placed onto the skin at the chosen acupuncture point. The cone is then lit and is allowed to burn until the skin starts to turn red. Once the patient begins to feel a warming sensation, the practitioner will remove the cone. Often a protective barrier is used under the moxa, either a cream, drop of water, sprinkle of salt of or a thin slice of ginger is used to stop the skin from being burnt.

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Indirect moxibustion is the more commonly practised form of moxibustion as it is seen as the safer method. The burning moxa will never directly come into contact with the skin, and instead, the practitioner will hold it above the body until the skin turns red and feels warm.

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Warming a needle with Moxa at the end of the needle or using adding moxa to a device such as a Moxa Box that is then laid on to the skin or a massage given with the warm tool are other ways in which moxibustion can be used alongside your acupuncture treatments at Tonic Acupuncture.

What are the benefits?

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As with all TCM treatments, moxibustion effectively stimulates circulation, improving the flow of qi and expelling cold and dampness from the body. It is often referred to in TCM as warming the meridians, which is particularly effective in relieving pain in the back and neck as well as arthritic pain, menstrual pain and digestive discomfort.

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Moxibustion is best known, however, for being an effective alternative therapy to assist with breech babies. Many expectant mothers use TCM to help with adjusting their baby when it is positioned feet first in the birth canal. This process is usually carried out at around 34 weeks using the safer indirect moxibustion and focuses on specific acupuncture points at the feet known to help strengthen the womb so baby feels held well by the womb to trust going head down.