Winter months often bring a range of health challenges, from aching joints, fatigue, to simply feeling uncomfortably cold all the time. More and more I find myself turning to one of my favorite therapeutic tools in my practice—moxibustion, commonly known as moxa.
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves burning the herb mugwort near or even directly on the skin. Both the heat generated and the properties of the herb itself are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects.
What exactly is moxa?
Moxa uses the herb mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), which is dried and processed into forms such as compresses, sticks, or cones.
The two forms I employ most often are moxa sticks and moxa boxes:
A moxa stick looks like a burning cigar and it is held or circled over the body point or area that is being targeted. The target in most cases is a specific acupuncture point which receives a deep and nourishing warming stimulation.
A moxa box covers a larger area and I often use it to warm up the lower abdomen or the back, it feels very soothing for aches and pains and can bring a deep sense of relaxation into our core.
There are many more forms of moxa and I recently brought some back with me from my trip to Japan! I am excited to introduce them to you during my treatments.
What can moxa do for you?
Moxibustion can be used to treat a variety of conditions all year round, though it’s particularly effective during winter due to its warming properties. Here’s are some examples on what to use it for:
1. Improves Blood Circulation
Moxibustion stimulates blood flow, helping to combat poor circulation and cold extremities. With that, it makes it an excellent tool for individuals who suffer from conditions like Raynaud’s phenomenon (poor blood circulation in hands and feet) or general feelings of cold.
2. Relieves Pain
Whether you're suffering from joint pain, muscle aches, or even headaches, moxibustion can help provide relief. The heat generated penetrates deep into tissues, relaxing tight muscles and reducing inflammation.
3. Boosts Immunity
One of the standout advantages of moxibustion is its ability to stimulate the body's natural defenses. When applied to specific acupuncture points (like ST36 on the lower leg or REN4 below your belly button), it’s believed to strengthen the immune system by invigorating the flow of Qi. Many of my patients report fewer colds and improved resistance to seasonal illnesses after regular moxibustion sessions.
4. Supports Digestion
Feeling bloated or sluggish after a heavy meal? Moxa can jumpstart your digestion by warming the middle burner (a term in TCM referring to the digestive system). Its ability to increase circulation to the stomach area helps prevent stagnation, reduce bloating, and relieve discomfort.
5. Eases Menstrual Pain
You probably aready use warm treatments for menstrual crapms (hot water bottle to the rescue?). Moxibustion has long been used to provide relief from dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). By promoting blood flow to the abdominal area, it eases uterine contractions and alleviates cramping.
6. Aids Respiratory Function
For individuals struggling with respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic coughing, moxibustion offers relief by expelling "cold" and "dampness" from the body. It relaxes the chest muscles, strengthens the lungs, and improves overall respiratory efficiency when used on specific points such as UB13 or UB43 on your upper back.
7. Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Stress
The inherently calming nature of moxa not only relaxes your muscles but also soothes your mind. Most of my clients enjoy the aroma of burning mugwort which, combined with the gentle heat, can relieve symptoms of anxiety, stress, and fatigue.
Additionally, it encourages deep relaxation, making it an all-around mood booster.
8. Stimulates Qi Flow
Moxibustion effectively stimulates and balances Qi, alleviating conditions marked by "Qi deficiency" or "stagnation" in TCM. If the idea of energy flow sounds abstract, think of it as decluttering your internal pathways to allow your body to function more smoothly.
For instance:
Stagnant Qi can show up as feelings of heaviness or mental fog.
Deficient Qi may manifest as fatigue or paleness.
Moxa ensures your internal systems are running like a well-oiled machine.
Bonus Benefit: Overall Warmth
Beyond the specific uses, moxibustion provides overall warmth and comfort, making it particularly beneficial during the cold winter months. For those who face internal coldness or joint stiffness, moxa's warming nature is both preventive and therapeutic.
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