moxa

Any type of heat applied to the body can increase the flow of qi and blood. Heat lamps, heating pads, or warming liniments all are healing to the body. But the heat combined with the powerful healing properties of the plant Artemesia Argyi/Douglasiana, commonly known as Mugwort, gives moxibustion a proven advantage. Moxa is most often used indirectly by burning a “cigar” rolled of mugwort and held over acupuncture points or local areas.

Moxibustion can be used to prevent diseases and maintain health as part of tonification treatments to help strengthen the organs and immune system. It warms the meridians and expels cold. It can be used to promote circulation over areas of chronic pain or muscle tension. It is especially used for pain that is worse with exposure to cold or damp weather, as with some types of arthritis pain. When applied to acupuncture points that strengthen and lift the qi, moxibustion turn a baby in breach position, boost the immune system and help with fatigue, digestive issues, and much more.

Direct moxa is the application of small rice sized cones of fluffy aged mugwort to particular areas that are considered portals on the body to our source qi. These rice cones are lit with incense, and they burn until you feel a heat sensation at which point they are quickly removed. I generally apply 10 cones but sometimes up to 50 at one to two sites.