Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy that involves burning dried plant materials, called moxa, on or near the skin to warm and stimulate acupuncture points. The goal is to invigorate the flow of Qi, or life energy, and strengthen the blood, which can help the body deal with various issues, including digestive problems and chronic pain. The herb is usually crushed, wrapped in paper, and either held above the skin or placed on it and removed before it overheats.
What Does the Process Entail?
The moxibustion therapist can apply the technique directly or indirectly. When used directly, the moxa cone rests on the body’s treatment site. The practitioner ignites one end of the cone, leaving it to burn slowly. The therapist removes the cone once the skin turns red and begins to feel the heat. In other cases, the practitioner places the moxa on the acupuncture needle and ignites it. The moxa will burn on the needle until it is extinguished. The heat is transferred to the acupuncture point through the needle. Indirect moxibustion is more common and a safe option. In this approach, the burning moxa does not directly contact the skin. Instead, the practitioner holds it about an inch from the treatment site. Once the skin becomes warm and red, they will remove the moxa from the treatment site. Another indirect use of moxa entails using an insulating layer of salt or garlic. The therapist places one of these items between the cone and the skin. Alternatively, they can fill moxa boxes with the ingredients, ignite them, and put them on the body.
Uses of Moxibustion
Alternative health practitioners say that the heat generated through moxibustion can help increase energy flow throughout the body. This happens through some pathways known as meridians. Chinese traditional medicine considers energy stimulation essential to helping the body achieve health and wellness.
Moxibustion is founded on the belief that blockages in the flow of energy lead to mental and physical health problems. Because of this, it’s used to treat:
Back pain
Arthritis
Headaches
Migraines
Muscle stiffness
Tendonitis
Ulcers
Fatigue
Infertility
Menstrual cramps
Cancer
Digestive problems
Benefits of Moxibustion
Several studies have been conducted to establish how moxibustion therapy benefits health and to determine its safety and effectiveness in treating various health conditions. Studies have found moxibustion to be an excellent therapy for chronic kidney disease. Researchers found it significantly reduces serum creatinine, which is responsible for poor kidney function in high doses.
Hot flashes. A study involving 51 women in their postmenopausal stages tried to establish the effect of moxibustion on hot flashes. The researchers found that undergoing 14 therapy sessions helped reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes.
Ulcerative colitis. The existing scientific evidence on the use of moxibustion to treat inflammation of the bowel is not conclusive. The studies determined that the technique does not benefit people with ulcerative colitis. However, these studies could have been of better quality.
Breech Birth. Moxibustion is considered a safe alternative to help with breech presentation. A breech birth refers to a condition in which the baby is positioned first with its feet in the birth channel. This position makes for a difficult delivery. A 2005 study showed that moxibustion significantly reduces the need for medical procedures to correct the presentation. Some hospitals have midwives and obstetricians trained in moxibustion and acupuncture.
Potential Complications of Moxibustion
Moxibustion is generally safe but can cause side effects, such as burns, allergic reactions, or infections. Doctors may also not advise it for people with underlying medical conditions, such as active skin infections, lymphedema, and low white blood cell or platelet counts.