Moxibustion: Healing with heat
Moxibustion, also known as moxa therapy or moxing, is an integral part of TCM. Heating acupuncture points with moxa cigars or mugwort cones is said to counteract states of energetic coldness and emptiness. In addition, moxing can stimulate both qi and blood flow.
Areas of application of moxibustion
The heating improves tissue circulation in the corresponding areas of the skin. Moxibustion is also considered an effective stimulation therapy for states of exhaustion, depression and chronic respiratory diseases.
Moxa or moxibustion is a special form of acupuncture, which is mainly used in China as an accompanying therapy. Basically, there are two types of moxibustion:
(a) With moxa cigars: here the practitioner ignites a cigar rolled with herbs and approaches the acupoints with it until the patient feels a distinct sensation of heat. Then he pulls it back again briefly and approaches again – as often as necessary until the skin point is clearly reddened.
(b) With mugwort cones: Here the practitioner places ginger discs on the acupoints and places small mugwort cones on them, which he ignites; they burn slowly. If the patient feels a sensation of heat in the acupoint and the skin is clearly flushed, the practitioner moves the cones to the next point. Moxibustion is considered an effective stimulation therapy for states of exhaustion, depression and chronic respiratory diseases.
