Moxibustion, “moxa”, is a tool in use for thousands of years in Asia. Moxa and acupuncture are commonly used together during a treatment. Have you walked by an acupuncturist office and thought you smelled marijuana? Did everyone leaving the office appear very happy. Well its not marijuana, but it smells similar and it can make you feel calm and relaxed. Moxa or mugwort leaf is a small fluffy herb that is used in Chinese medicine to warm the body, decrease pain, strengthen your immune system, and facilitate healing. The actual Chinese character for acupuncture, translated literally, means “acupuncture-moxibustion.” Moxibustion, acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, massage, and Chinese herbal formulas are the most common tools used by doctors of Chinese medicine. Moxibustion is made from a Chinese herb Mugwort Leaf.
Direct moxibustion is done directly on the skin. Burn cream is carefully placed between the skin and moxa to prevent any burns or scarring. This is the only form of direct moxa used in the United States because patients don’t like the pain or scarring. In Asia scarring moxa is done on acupuncture points. Moxa is placed directly on the skin and allowed to burn completely. This causes pain, blistering and scarring and is not used in the USA. Indirect moxa is the most popular moxa used in the clinic due to less risk of burning or pain for the patient. Indirect moxa can be placed on the needle head or done with a cigar shaped roll of mugwort leaf.
Needle head moxa is useful for low back pain, abdominal and menstrual pain, digestive disorders, chronic fatigue, adrenal fatigue, spasming muscles, and bulging discs in the spine. Indirect moxa poles are used for warming sore muscles, tendons, and tissues. This feels great and helps with arthritis, degenerative joints, tendonitis, and fibromyalgia. Moxibustion is great for any cold or stagnant conditions. How do you know if you have a cold or stagnant condition? Cold or stagnant conditions are worse with cold and damp weather, worse in the winter, and feel better with heat and in summer. Moxibustion is a warming, supplementing and moves your Qi. Moxibustion in Chinese medicine stimulates the Yang qi in our body. Yang qi is the force with in our vascular system that spreads warmth and nutrients throughout our body. If you suffer from reynauds disease you likely have a yang xu and moxibustion can help. Indirect and direct moxibustion is used to help heal wounds more quickly and decrease scars.
Needle head moxa is used for chronic pain, menstrual disorders, adrenal fatigue and feels amazing when placed on low back.
Monday – Thursday
9:00am – 8:00pm
Friday
9:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday
10:00am – 4:00pm
