Moxibustion - Uses, Types, Benefits, and Side Effects

Introduction:

Moxibustion is a form of treatment that consists of burning medicinal herb leaves to improve acupuncture healing. The technique is based on Chinese medicine. Its goal is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of Qi (energy), and keep the body healthy. ‌According to Chinese medicine, increasing Qi circulation can assist the body in dealing with various issues, including digestive problems and chronic pain.

What Is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion, also known as moxa treatment, is a traditional Chinese medical practice that spread to Japan and other Asian countries. It is performed by burning small cones of dried leaves on specific points of the body, generally, the same points used in acupuncture. The term moxibustion is derived from the name of the most commonly used wormwood plant, Artemisia moxa. The Chinese believed that burning or heating specific points on the body increases circulation and relieves pain since ancient times. Moxa is commonly used to treat points near the eyes, ears, and large blood vessels because acupuncture at these locations is unsafe.

What Are the Uses of Moxibustion?

According to alternative healthcare practitioners, the heat generated by moxibustion may even help in increasing energy flow throughout the body. It occurs primarily through pathways known as meridians (a great circle on the earth's surface passing through the poles). Energy stimulation is essential in traditional Chinese medicine to help the body achieve health and wellness. Moxibustion is based on the idea that disruptions in the flow of energy cause mental and physical health issues. As a result, it is used to treat illnesses like digestive problems, dizziness (tiredness), ulcers, headaches, muscle stiffness, cancer, menstrual cramps (periods pain), back pain, and arthritis (the swelling of one or more joints of bones).

What Are the Types of Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is divided into two types, direct and indirect moxibustion. Direct moxibustion occurs when a moxa cone is placed directly on the skin and heated up. In contrast, indirect moxibustion occurs when the moxa is kept at a certain distance from the skin.

1. Direct Moxibustion: The practitioner uses direct moxibustion by placing a small piece of moxa directly on the surface of a person's skin and lighting it until the fire goes out. This direct method, moreover, results in skin damage or blistering (redness of the skin) of the skin. As a result, practitioners should avoid using direct moxibustion on the following body parts, such as the face, breasts, genitals (external and internal sex organs and glands), important tendons (a fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone), major skin creases (lines which form where their skin folds when they move), areas near large blood vessels. To avoid skin damage, the practitioner should remove the fire before the moxa burns down to the skin's surface.

2. Indirect Moxibustion: Indirect moxibustion does not require the application of moxa to the skin. Instead, a practitioner could implement one of the following techniques. Indirect moxibustion does not require the application of moxa to the skin. Instead, a practitioner could implement one of the following techniques. Waving or holding a burning moxa stick over specific acupoints for several minutes or until the area converts a pinkish color, compressing the moxa into a pole, brightness the moxa, and holding the stick close to the skin. Connecting moxa to acupuncture needle tips and inserting the needles into acupoints with a separate trusted source barrier between the burning moxa and the skin, such as garlic or ginger, a small salt pile. This method avoids injuring a person's skin as long as a practitioner performs indirect moxibustion correctly.

What Are the Benefits of Moxibustion?

Moxibustion generally increases blood circulation and activates the body's natural healing response. A skilled acupuncturist could even target specific points on the body, which may or may not correspond to acupoints, and use heat from moxibustion to induce a biochemical response. Moreover, warming particular points with the slow heat produced by the burning moxa has heat that can treat muscle pain. Moxibustion may provide health benefits:

• It stimulates circulation and Qi flow improvement.

• It relieves cold and wetness in the body. It relieves back pain, arthritis pain, and menstrual cramps.

• It improves female health issues like irregular menstruation, reproductive problems, and pre-term pregnancy.

• It can assist with male health issues like weakness and sperm quality.

• It increases resistance to colds and flu; this is especially beneficial for patients susceptible to infectious viruses circulating during the winter.

• It improves the immune system to fight severe illnesses and keeps the body healthy.

• Constipation and stomach problems can be relieved by regulating the digestive system.

• It helps to get rid of numbness in the fingers and toes.

• It reduces the chance of blood clot formation.

• It reduces anxiety disorders and specific depression symptoms.

• It reduces the harmful effects of standard cancer treatment.

• It increases Qi strength to reduce general fatigue, resulting in more energy throughout the day.

What Are the Side Effects of Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is an interdependent and complementary therapy technique worth trying. However, it represents a few risks, one of which is the risk of getting burned in the process. As a result, it is best to stick with indirect moxibustion, especially when doing it alone. Other possible side effects are as follows:

• It produces toxic reactions.

• It may cause vomiting and nausea.

• It may cause a cough due to smoke.

• It may cause skin cancers.

Conclusion:

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medical treatment that involves the application of dried mugwort to or near particular acupuncture sites on the body. This is thought to promote healing and well-being by increasing the flow of Qi (energy) and blood. While the evidence for moxibustion's effectiveness is mixed, and more research is needed, it is generally thought to be safe when performed by a trained practitioner. However, it may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly pregnant women or those with certain medical conditions. Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medical treatment that involves the application of mugwort to or near particular acupuncture sites on the body. More research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in promoting healing and well-being.