Moxibustion

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion involves applying heat to various acupuncture points on the body. Moxibustion is taken from a dried herb, Chinese mugwort (Artemesia argyi). Moxa products are varied but the intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of energy in the body.  It is not unusual for a patient to feel warmth radiating in the area of the moxa or down a specific pathway.  This is actually a very good sign as we are trying to encourage warmth in the channels.

For centuries, it was used together with acupuncture creating the “Miraculous Pivot” which states that if you couldn’t treat the disease with acupuncture, then you should use moxibustion.

Moxibustion is enormously successful when treating symptoms of:

• Cold and damp in the body (Arthritis)
• Stops bleeding
• Regulates menses
• Digestive issues
• Pain

It is very safe and has tremendous therapeutic value. Practitioners often may use acupuncture and moxibustion in the same therapy session when the diagnosis confirms this type of treatment strategy.  It has been confirmed through the years that both therapies together may increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

It is stated in “In Notes on Bian Que’s Moxibustion,” When a healthy person performs moxa on Guangyuan (CV4), Qihai (CV 6), Mingmen (GV 4) and Zhongwan (CV 12), (these are acupuncture points on the body) he will live to be 100 years of age. Another book states that if you moxa St 36 (Zusanli) every day you would live to be 120 years old or should we say 120 years young.

Linda Morse L.Ac. Dipl. of OM, Ph.D (TM) is a licensed, board certified acupuncturist, offers traditional Chinese moxibustion therapy to patients in Cape Neddick, Ogunquit, Wells, York, Elliott, Kennebunk.