Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a traditional East Asian medicine technique that uses the warmth produced by burning moxa, an herbal material made from mugwort, to stimulate acupuncture points or warm a larger area of the body.
Although many people are familiar with acupuncture needles, moxibustion has traditionally been closely connected with acupuncture. In fact, the Chinese term zhēnjiǔ refers to both needling and moxibustion.
At Tara Acupuncture & Wellness, moxibustion is most often used alongside acupuncture, although it may also be performed on its own.
How Is Moxibustion Used?
Different forms of moxibustion can be used depending on the treatment goals.
At Tara Acupuncture & Wellness, techniques may include:
- Smokeless moxa sticks used to warm an acupuncture point or larger area
- Smokeless moxa placed on the handle of an acupuncture needle
- Rice grain moxibustion applied to specific acupuncture points
Moxibustion may be used to warm an area, encourage local circulation, address cold or deficient patterns, relax tight tissue or provide additional stimulation to a specific acupuncture point.
It is also an important part of Japanese Meridian Therapy and may be combined with techniques such as electroacupuncture or motor point acupuncture.
What Does Moxibustion Feel Like?
Most patients experience moxibustion as comfortable warmth.
With rice grain moxibustion, the sensation may briefly feel stronger or produce a quick “zing,” but it should not feel like a burn. Because an incense stick is used to light the moxa, you may also notice a mild incense aroma during this technique.
Who May Appreciate Moxibustion?
Moxibustion may be especially helpful for people whose symptoms feel better with warmth, older adults, people who present with more deficient patterns or patients who are sensitive to needles or stronger stimulation.
It is also commonly incorporated into treatment for gynecological concerns.
Moxibustion at Tara Acupuncture & Wellness
The form and intensity of moxibustion are adjusted based on the patient and the area being treated. Extra care is taken for people who are sensitive to heat or smoke, have reduced temperature sensation or other sensory impairment. Treatment is also modified during pregnancy.
Many patients are surprised to discover moxibustion because they have received acupuncture before without ever experiencing it. Its combination of warmth and focused point stimulation can bring a different dimension to treatment and is one of the techniques Dr. Tara Shah frequently uses in practice.
If you are curious about moxibustion, schedule an acupuncture appointment at Tara Acupuncture & Wellness to learn more.