Every type of country and culture has its own medical and beauty treatments that have spread throughout the world. Some of these treatments can have beneficial effects for both mind and body.
Today we are going to talk about the Moxa therapy or moxibustion. It is an ancient medical treatment within the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In particular, it consists in a heat therapy with herbs on acupuncture points, meridians and certain parts of the body, which helps ease blockages and encourages the energy flow.
What is Moxa Therapy?
Moxa Therapy or Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy that consists of burning the dried leaf on or above specific points on the body. This herb is the Mugwort, moxa, or Aì yè in Chinese medicine. Mugwort grows in Asia and Europe. The leaves of this plant are dried, pulverized and processed in various ways, depending on its intended usage. There are two different forms of this therapy. The first one is the indirect Moxa. In other words, it consists in a moxa cigar which allows a better regulation of heat and distance to the skin. Furthermore, the other therapy form is the direct Moxa. It includes the burning of mugwort on top of acupuncture needles.
During the therapy warmth and herbal properties of the mugwort enter our pores. Therefore, the nerves on our skin are stimulated and as result the pituitary gland and adrenal gland gets activated. In addition, the heat also facilitates a better blood circulation and leads to a general feeling of relaxation. Thus, this treatment is both, relaxing and healing.
Moxa therapy is now widespread in many cultures around the globe and there are several techniques to use this powerful herb.
What is Moxa used for?
Benefits of Moxa Therapy
Pain: In Chinese Medicine perspective, external cold can get trapped in our bodies. The result of that can be increased pain in our joints and muscles. Thus, a very common use of moxa is to place the moxa can or box on the affected area, warming it in a way that a hot bath for example cannot. Because of how the moxa works, it penetrates at a much deeper level. A moxa stick can be used in the same way.
Coughs and other respiratory problems: Secondly, Moxa therapy can also be used preventatively in order to stave off common cold and respiratory disorders, such as hay fever and seasonal allergies.
Promotes Circulation: Next, Moxa helps to promote movement of blood so it is particularly good for pain, which occurs when blood stagnate. It can use to heal bruises more quickly.
More Benefits
Menstrual cramps: Moxa is really effective in relieving menstrual cramps and irregular cycles. Many common activities can cause cold to become trapped in the uterus. For istance, wearing shorts or skirts in cooler weather. Moxa can reverse these effects.
Digestive symptoms: Since the heat from the Moxa stimulates the digestive system, it is effective in helping with constipation, IBS, and digestion in general.
In addition to its health benefits, people find the burning of moxa to be extremely comforting. Its warmth and scent create a feeling of deep relaxation in the treatment room.
Moxa Therapy at Home
To conclude, moxibustion can be a very pleasant sensation, especially when the warmth spreads through areas that have pain and swelling due to cold. Indirect moxa is also easy to learn to do at home. In fact, practitioners often show a patient the appropriate point for their condition, and the person can take a moxa stick home to perform daily treatments. Such treatment can be very empowering, since the patient then takes responsibility for his own healing.
We hope you liked that article and don’t forget that you can read more blog posts about healthy lifestyle on Attitude Organic!
Written by Sabrina Licata
Cover Image: Amalurzen
