What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion, abbreviated as moxibustion therapy or moxa therapy, involves the use of moxa sticks or cones made from mugwort leaves to generate heat that stimulates acupuncture points or specific areas of the body. This method activates the flow of Qi (气) to regulate the disordered physiological and biochemical functions of the body, thereby achieving the goal of disease prevention and treatment.
The mechanism of moxibustion is similar to that of acupuncture and complements acupuncture in its therapeutic effects. It has many advantages, including simple operation, low cost, and significant effects.
Main Effects of Moxibustion
1
Harmonizing Yin and Yang
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) divides the human body into two polarities of Yin and Yang. In the concept of Taiji, it is often said that only by achieving a balanced state can one attain a healthy and perfect condition. The same applies to our bodies; only when Yin and Yang are balanced can the body become healthier, reducing the likelihood of disease. Moxibustion is a common method for regulating Yin-Yang balance.
2
Warming and Unblocking Meridians, Dispelling Cold Evil
Moxibustion primarily utilizes the combustion of mugwort to warm the acupuncture points on the body. This process promotes blood circulation, allowing the heat to enter the body through the acupuncture points, thus achieving the effect of unblocking the meridians and helping to eliminate cold from the body, which can relieve pain.
3
Disease Prevention and Health Maintenance, Strengthening the Body and Prolonging Life
It is important to know that moxibustion has many effects, and the results vary depending on the acupuncture points used. There are numerous acupuncture points in the human body, and during moxibustion, one should select appropriate points based on their physical condition to achieve the effects of preventing and improving certain diseases.
4
Supporting Yang and Raising Yang
Mugwort is a pure Yang substance. Performing moxibustion on the Du Mai (督脉) (Governing Vessel) is an effective method for supporting Yang. Due to reasons such as Yang deficiency, it can lead to a condition of deficiency above and excess below. The Ling Shu (灵枢) states: “If it sinks, then moxibustion should be applied.” Therefore, moxibustion is often used for conditions of Qi deficiency and organ prolapse. It can tonify Qi, warm Yang, raise the sinking Yang, stabilize pregnancy, and secure the menstrual cycle, and is also effective for those with unstable Wei Yang (卫阳) and loose pores.
5
Health Maintenance and Longevity
The method of preserving life is primarily through moxibustion. As the saying goes, “When medicine is ineffective, and acupuncture cannot reach, moxibustion must be applied.” Moxibustion has been recorded in ancient texts for its ability to revive Yang and rescue from collapse. In cases of Qi and Yin deficiency, urgent moxibustion on Shen Que (神阙) (Umbilicus) and Guan Yuan (关元) (Lower Dantian) can revive Yang. Yang deficiency can lead to sinking or collapse. Mugwort is pure Yang, and fire is also Yang; the combination of these two can tonify Qi, warm Yang, raise the sinking Yang, support Yang, and regulate immunity, thus prolonging life.
Principles of Moxibustion
1. Local Stimulation
Moxibustion provides thermal stimulation to the local area, enhancing blood circulation and lymphatic flow, and strengthening the metabolic capacity of skin tissues, dissipating inflammation, adhesions, exudates, hematomas, and other pathological products.
2. Meridian Regulation
The moxibustion therapy is based on the theory of meridian studies, and the stimulation of acupuncture points ultimately regulates the five organs and six bowels, limbs, and bones through the meridian system, maintaining the overall function of the body.
3. Immune Function Regulation
Moxibustion therapy can bidirectionally regulate the immune function of the body, improving low resistance or allergic constitution. Moxibustion can also promote the recirculation of immune cells and their movement to lymphatic tissues by enhancing peripheral circulation.
4. Pharmacological Effects
Moxibustion therapy utilizes a variety of medicinal materials, including pure moxa sticks and those infused with various herbs. Most moxibustion herbs are aromatic and contain volatile oils and pungent substances that can stimulate epidermal cells, increasing cell membrane permeability, facilitating drug absorption, thus maximizing the therapeutic effects of the herbs.
Indications
(1) Used to treat various symptoms caused by cold stagnation and blood stasis, such as wind-cold-damp bi syndrome, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and abdominal pain due to cold hernia.(2) Used to treat exterior wind-cold patterns and middle-jiao deficiency-cold symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.(3) Used to treat spleen and kidney Yang deficiency, and symptoms of sudden loss of vital energy, such as chronic diarrhea, dysentery, enuresis, nocturnal emission, impotence, premature ejaculation, collapse, and shock.(4) Used to treat Qi deficiency and sinking organs, such as gastric prolapse, renal prolapse, uterine prolapse, and rectal prolapse.(5) Used to treat initial stages of surgical sores and ulcers, as well as scrofula. It promotes healing and tissue regeneration in chronic non-healing sores.(6) Used to treat conditions of Qi counterflow, such as heart Qi counterflow and liver Yang rising, which can be treated by moxibustion at the Yong Quan (涌泉穴) (Kidney 1) point.
Contraindications:Should be used with caution in cases of hunger, overwork, overeating, extreme thirst, extreme fear, extreme anger, extreme fatigue, and fear of moxibustion.
Not suitable for use during windy, rainy, or thunderstorm conditions, extreme cold or heat, excessive sweating, or during a woman’s menstrual period (except in cases of severe bleeding).
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