Moxibustion Therapy
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that complements acupuncture. This therapy involves burning moxa, a soft woolly substance prepared from dried mugwort leaves (Artemisia argyi), on or near the skin’s surface at specific acupuncture points. Niseema Agarwal L.Ac. in Encinitas, California, uses moxibustion to stimulate the circulation of Qi (vital energy) and blood in the meridians, promoting healing and balance in the body.
How Does Moxibustion Work?
Moxibustion works by:
- Stimulating specific acupuncture points
- Increasing blood flow to treated areas
- Enhancing the body’s natural healing processes
- Balancing Qi and promoting overall wellness
This therapy has a synergistic effect with acupuncture, often providing more comprehensive results when used in combination.
Benefits of Moxibustion
- Promotes circulation of Qi and blood
- Warms and strengthens the body
- Relieves pain and inflammation
- Supports the immune system
- Enhances the effects of acupuncture treatments
Conditions Treated with Moxibustion
Moxibustion is particularly helpful in treating a variety of conditions, including:
- Gynecological disorders
- Muscular pain
- Arthritis
- Rheumatic pain
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Asthma
- Menstrual cramps
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Digestive issues
Types of Moxibustion
- Direct Moxibustion: Small amounts of moxa are placed directly on the skin and burned. This technique is less commonly used due to the risk of burns.
- Indirect Moxibustion: More commonly used, this involves burning moxa on the handle of an acupuncture needle, holding it above the skin, or placing it on a protective medium like salt or ginger.