Moxibustion

Moxa (Jiu) treatments, like acupuncture, are based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and through moxibustion specific acupoints or entire meridians are warmed. Thus the flow of Qi and blood are increased in these areas.

For the warming effect, small amounts of the plant Artemisia argyi (in English wormwood, in Chinese Ai Ye) are burned. Wormwood leaves are harvested in spring and summer, dried and processed into different shapes, depending on the type of adminstration. According to Chinese herbal medicine, wormwood has warming, aromatic and blood-regulating properties. They warm the meridians, pelvic area and uterus and relieve pain- especially those caused by cold-related conditions.

Moxa treatment is now often used during pregnancy when the fetus is in breech presentation. From week 35 of pregnancy, the acupuncture point BL67 (Zhiyin) on the lateral side of the little toe is warmed by moxibustion. Thus, the fetus is encouraged to move and turn into the right direction.

Depending on the condition and the desired effect, moxibustion can be used in different forms.

Moxa on needle

Moxa on a needle is also called Kyutoshin. They are extra small cones that are rolled in paper and placed directly on the acupuncture needles. The tip of the needles heats up and the heat enhances the activation of the acupoint.

Moxa box

A small wooden box with a metal mesh is filled with a mixture of wormwood leaves. After lighting the mixture, the box is placed directly on the skin. The burning moxa does not come in contact with the skin, but it has a great warming effect. The advantage of the moxa box is that larger areas on the abdomen or the back can be heated at the same time.

Moxa cigar

Moxa cigars are rolled into thin paper, filled with a mixture of ground wormwood leaves along with cotton fibers. The cigar is lit and the burning tip is moved half an inch above the acupoints. If the skin becomes hot, the distance to the skin is increased. After repeating the process several times, a slight redness is observed on the skin.

Moxa cone

Small slices of ginger or garlic, sometimes also coarse salt, are placed on the specific acupoint, especially in the navel or back area. Above it small moxa cones are lit. Once the target area has been warmed, the cone is removed and replaced by another one. The process is repeated until the skin is slightly red.

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