Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine Treatment method used for a variety of disorders.

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves burning dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) on or near the surface of the skin to stimulate specific acupuncture points. The heat generated from burning the mugwort is believed to facilitate the flow of Qi (vital energy) in the body and restore balance.

There are several types of moxibustion, including direct and indirect methods. In direct moxibustion, a small cone or stick of moxa is placed directly on the skin and burned until it generates heat. In indirect moxibustion, the moxa is attached to acupuncture needles or burned above the skin without direct contact.

History of Moxibustion:

Moxibustion originated in China very long ago. The use of Herb Artemisia vulgaris commonly known as Moxa (艾草）was discovered by accident by some travellers. As the story goes some travellers had long days of travelling and decided to rest at night in certain locations. As they rested and the weather was quite cold they decided to light a campfire. For the fire, they gathered wood and some dried grass-like plants from nearby and lit the fire.

These travellers due to their long journey were tired and suffered from body aches. so they sat next to the fire and slept there. The next morning when they woke up they realised their body aches had vanished and their bodies felt warm and energetic which they never experienced before. the only difference between any other campfire they lit and this was this strange grass that they used as fuel to light up the fire. On further experimenting they found that these leaves later termed as MOXA were indeed the herb helping them recover from their aches.

Characteristics Unique to Moxa herb:

Moxa is a unique herb grown in china Japan and countries which have suitable climate. It has a very unique nature as a plant. In China people have a tradition of using this plant for warding off insects and flies during certain seasons. and is believed to also ward off or protect against 邪气(evil qi). evil qi in chinese medicine is mainly adverse weather conditions which have tendency to harm the body when its in state of weak immune response.

the same ideology is used in chinese medicine treatment for treatment of disorders caused by invading exogenous climate factors which are called evil qi.

Moxa herb when processed through various techniques into fine dried leaves it is used in hot water fermentation used in soaking feet in winter and in general for better circulation of lower extremities. in very rare cases it is also used as a oral herb in decoction used for treating certain ailments.

The most widespread use of Moxa is what we are focusing today on i.e. Moxibustion! Moxibustion is a technique that uses fine ground and refined powder of this pant leaves and burns in various forms to give extraordinary healing.

Moxa in its powder form when used in the form of a stick (looks like a cigar) and burned close to the skin helps in transferring heat energy along with healing Qi into patient’s channels and meridians helping them heal certain ailments. this technique utilises a very unique characteristic of this herb which is the ability of the heat generated by it to generate the skin instead of rising and dissipating in air. Moxa heat has ability to seek out cold and penetrate deep inside the skin releasing blocks, cold and helloing open channels thereby creating healing effect.

Different types of Moxibustion Technique:

They are mainly classified into Direct and Indirect Moxibustion

Direct Moxibustion: It means the Moxa powder is directly burnt on the skin leaving a scar.

明灸（MingJiu) ：Using small pieces of Moxa powder forming a cone and burning on specific Acupuncture points with specific breathing techniques to create desired effect of Moxa for that specific point.

麦粒灸（MaiLiJiu) : Used for treatment of chronic ailments using Moxa powder as small as wheat grain or even small and burning on certain points to create strong stimulation multiple times.

Indirect Moxibustion: It implies the Moxa powder is not directly burned on the skin and is either suspended in air or has certain material preventing direct contact with the skin.

悬灸（XuanJiu）： The most common form of moxibustion technique used where Moxa powder is rolled in the form of a stick-like cigar and is lit. this is then used on specific points or along the energy channels suspended in the air not touching the skin. the distance is enough to provide a warm feeling over the skin. used in treating a wide variety of ailments in combination with acupuncture.

隔物灸（GeWuJiu) : This indirect Moxa technique utilises Moxa powder formed in the form of a small cone and placed over a specific body part or point with certain herbal medicine like a slice of Ginger or Fuzi or sometimes even just salt to prevent direct burning of the skin. this form of moxibustion technique is used in very severe and chronic ailments.

温针灸（WenZhenJiu) : In this indirect technique Moxa powder is placed on top of the needle using the needle’s ability to conduct heat deep into Acu points resulting in stronger stimulus to the point.

Some common applications of moxibustion include:

1. Pain management: Moxibustion is often used to alleviate pain, particularly in conditions like arthritis, menstrual cramps, and muscle tension. in combination with acupuncture, Moxibustion has a very strong effect on the treatment of pain-related illnesses.
2. Digestive disorders: It can be used to improve digestion and alleviate symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion, and diarrhoea.
3. Gynaecological issues: According to TCM most of the gynaecological disorders are caused by block in energy channels or due to cold manifestation, hence Moxibustion is used to regulate menstrual cycles, reduce menstrual pain, and address fertility issues.
4. Immune system support: Some practitioners use moxibustion to strengthen the immune system and improve overall health and well-being. Chinese have a saying “若要安，三里常不干”, “if you want to have a peaceful healthy life then, ZuSanLi should not the dry.” which implies Chinese believed that regularly using Moxa (direct technique) to stimulate ZuSanLi point will result in stronger immunity and the person will remain healthy.
5. Turning breech babies: In certain cases, moxibustion may be applied to specific acupuncture points to encourage a breech baby to turn to the correct position before birth. Also used in promoting smooth painless delivery.
6. Respiratory conditions: Moxibustion is sometimes used to relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and allergies.

Rejuvenating effect of Moxibustion:

SARC-Goa Hospital has done extensive research with the Moxa application resulting in a specific unique technique called Moxa Care. with this treatment, one feels rejuvenated with a boost of energy as natural as a good night’s sleep and solar energy. body’s natural pathways of Qi conduction are opened and result in a release of energy which makes a person active energetic and healthy.

Conclusion:

While moxibustion has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and is considered safe when performed by trained practitioners, it’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any of the techniques mentioned above as every treatment can be harmful if not done with specific correct diagnosis and technique.

For more information visit www.sarcgoa.com Thank You!