Moxibustion
Moxibustion, (jiŭ) dates back approximately 3,000 years and some medical historians believe that moxibustion may even pre-date acupuncture. It is an Oriental Medicine healing therapy utilizing moxa, or mugwort herb,Artemsia Vulgaris. It plays an important role in the traditional medical systems of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet, and Mongolia. They can use it indirectly, with acupuncture needles, or sometimes burn it on a patient's skin.
Moxa can be used in various ways. It can be applied directly on the skin, or rolls of moxa can be held over the point treated.
There are many different techniques used in the application of moxibustion and each technique has a specific role to play in the overall treatment of one's condition.
The direct (Japanese) techniques include Heat Perception moxibustion, using large cones of moxa that are removed from the skin when felt to be hot by the patient, and Penetrating moxibustion that uses small rice grain sized cones of high-grade moxa.
The indirect (Chinese) techniques include the use of Moxa Boxes, the burning of moxa within a ceramic temple that sits above specific areas of the body such as the lower back or abdomen; Stick moxa, a cigar like stick of moxa that is burned directly above the skin over specific points; and, Needle head moxa where small cylinders of moxa are placed on the end of the acupuncture needles so that the warmth penetrates deeply into the point without burning the skin.
Moxa is used to warm regions and acupuncture points and stimulates circulation through the points and induces a smoother flow of blood and qi and protects against cold and dampness in the body. Moxa is used for pain and deficient conditions. It is clinically effective for common conditions such as: Acute and Chronic Pain (Frozen Shoulder, Back pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), digestive upset (Diarrhea, IBS), Women's Disorders, and sexual function (Impotence, Decreased Libido etc.)
Scientific research has shown that mugwort acts as an emmenagogue, meaning that it stimulates blood-flow in the pelvic area and uterus. Moxibustion and can serve to turn breech babies.
