Moxibustion
What is moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves the burning of specific herbs ‘Moxa’ to replenish body heat (Yang). It counteracts the effects of cold and dampness on the body and serves to replenish and revitalise a weakened or depleted body. Moxibustion supplies a direct ‘injection’ of heat energy into specific points to aid in re-balancing, whereas needling moves energy around the body. This is a slow burning herb and the only one that when lit sends heat downwards into the body.
How does moxibustion work?
There are two types of moxibustion - direct and indirect.
- Direct moxibustion: a small, cone-shaped amount of moxa is placed on top of an acupuncture point and burned. The client will experience a pleasant heating sensation that penetrates deep into the skin.
- Indirect moxibustion: a practitioner lights one end of a moxa stick roughly the shape and size of a cigar, and holds it close to the area being treated for several minutes until the area turns red. The practitioner will monitor the heat level, and work with the patient to provide a therapeutic level of heat while maintaining comfort and safety.
