About Moxa

Moxibustion is the burning of the herb, mugwort, on the body for therapeutic purposes.

Moxibustion, or moxa for short, improves blood circulation and effects the components of the blood.  Moxa also puts heat (energy) into the body, warming up cold areas and relaxing tight areas to improve the circulation and restore healthy function.  The herb itself was traditionally chosen for its healing properties and specific characteristics.  Moxibustion is known to improve the function of the immune system by stimulating normal production of white blood cells.  Research has also shown it has a positive effect on other blood components.  Mugwort possesses anti-biotic, anti-viral and anti-parasitic properties.  Burning moxa produces a pleasant, relaxing and strong sage-like fragrance. According to the ancient theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the sites selected for moxibustion are the acupuncture points which access the body energy pathways.

In the West, moxibustion is relatively unknown compared acupuncture.  However, classically and clinically, the two are used together.  In fact, in the Chinese characters, acupuncture and moxibustion are written in tandem.

鍼灸 = ACUPUNCTURE & MOXIBUSTION

According to the Classics of TCM, when herbs or acupuncture did not work, moxibustion was advised.  Commonly known in Asian countries, like China, Japan and Korea, are many types of moxibustion including heat perception moxibustion, direct scarring moxibustion, indirect stick moxibustion, loquat leaf moxibustion, and moxibustion performed on top of salt, garlic, slices of ginger, or the acupuncture needle itself.  The appropriate type of moxibustion is selected and carried out by your acupuncturist depending on your current state.  Some acupuncturists use a heat lamp or smokeless moxa, claiming it has the same effect as real moxibustion.  This is simply not true.  Real moxibustion in its true form is most effective and in fact Western Scientific studies have shown that the moxa smoke produced in the process, actually has anti-cancer properties.

Although the use of moxibustion seems to have come from China, it is quite possible that this ancient method of healing may have had it origins in Europe or other areas.  The herb is common to many temperate regions of the world, including North America.  In Europe, mugwort (Latin: Artemisia Vulgaris) had been used by many cultures for a variety of ailments, including stomach upset by the Ancient Greeks.