Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that involves burning of dried herb moxa (Artemisia or mugwort) on particular points on the body. Moxibustion is an extremely popular therapy in modern clinical settings in China, Korea, and Japan.
Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years. Bian Que, one of the most famous ancient Chinese doctors and the first specialist in moxibustion, discussed the therapeutic benefits of moxa in his Bian Que Neijing (Internal Classic of Bian Que, c. 300 BCE). He asserted that moxa could inject new energy to the body and could treat multiple conditions.
In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion, alone or in combination with acupuncture, is used to:
- Stimulate the flow of energy and blood
- Improve circulation
- Warm the meridians
- Relieve pain
- Expel cold
- Treat diseases
- Combat aging
- Boost immune system
- Improve general health
There are several methods of moxibustion. Traditional Chinese medical practitioners burn the moxa indirectly with acupuncture needles, stick-on moxa charcoals, or moxa sticks held above the treatment areas. To apply directly, a small, cone-shaped amount of moxa is burned on the acupuncture point on the skin. This type of moxibustion is further categorized into two types: scarring and non-scarring. With scarring moxibustion, the moxa is lit, and allowed to remain on the skin until it burns out. This may lead to localized blistering and scarring. With non-scarring moxibustion, the moxa is placed on the point and lit, but removed before it burns the skin. In East Asian countries, the direct, scarring moxibustion is the preferred method. At Asiana Wellness, Newport Beach, we administer only indirect moxibustion, unless the patient has experienced the direct technique and requests it specifically.
Although moxibustion has been safely practiced for thousands of years, it should not be used on everyone. In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is used only on patients who have external or internal “cold” conditions, and for this reason, it is critical to seek a licensed TCM practitioner who can properly diagnose the condition of the patient before administering the appropriate moxibustion technique. With the treatment, the patient will experience a pleasant heating sensation that penetrates deep into the skin, but should not feel any pain. Make an appointment today for your customized moxibustion moxa treatment with Dr. Park at Asiana Wellness, Newport Beach, Orange County, California.
Please click on the links below to learn more about our other modalities at Asiana Wellness, Newport Beach: