Would you like to recover the physical strength and emotional balance that you may be losing due to your stressful daily grind? The ancient technique of moxibustion is based on Traditional Chinese Medical science, and the results are simply outstanding.
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion stimulates the body’s qi and blood much like acupuncture does. Experts in holistic and alternative therapies believe that this technique, whose origins seem to date back to the year 200 BC, has the same efficacy as acupuncture and some even take a step further to say that moxibustion supplies the best effects in terms of relief from ailments while improving circulation.
Reactivating your health with Moxibustion
According to the Eastern traditions, moxibustion aims to stimulate certain points on the body and has the ability to regulate the vital energy (Qi) flowing through the acupuncture meridians. Thus, the secret to controlling physical and psychological disorders lies in the proper recovery or redirection of this flow.
Moxibustion is administered in a clinical setting. The different methods of administering this treatment can be classified into two main groups:
• Direct moxibustion – It consists of one or more light moxa cones made up of the moxa herb mugwort, which are then placed on certain points on the patient’s skin. The herbal preparation generates a controlled, mild heat that stimulates the acupuncture point. It is a completely safe procedure when administered by a licensed acupuncturist.
• Indirect moxibustion – The heat is generated at a distance, by burning moxa on the head of an acupuncture needle while it is inserted in a certain area of the body. It can also be administered through the use of moxa sticks which burn similar to cigars and placed at a safe distance from the skin. The heat from the moxa stick heats the needle mildly.
It should be noted that all these methods require special training in acupuncture, not only to avoid accidents during application, but to achieve the proper diagnosis of the problem and determine the appropriate point at which heat is to be applied.
The Healing Effects of Moxibustion
Clinical research suggests that moxibustion triggers biochemical changes in the body that act with particular effectiveness in four aspects:
•Increases the production of white blood cells – The number of white blood cells rises immediately after moxibustion and reaches its highest possible count eight hours later. Furthermore, the said range remains high for 4 to 5 days after treatment and, when applied continuously for six weeks, stimulation is maintained until three months later, so that there is an increased resistance to diseases. It is a known fact that white blood cells fight against disease.
• Increases the production of red blood cells – Results in better transportation of oxygen through the blood and nourish the tissues. The elevation can also occur steadily, even for more than 3 months (around 15-22 weeks) after a series of sessions.
• Improves blood and lymphatic circulation – The proper use of heat generated with moxa triggers a series of nerve impulses in the skin that cause dilation of blood vessels, so that blood circulation and lymph (fluid containing white blood cells) increase and flow through their own vessels. In fact, it is very common for anyone who is treated with moxibustion to describe a feeling of warmth, relaxation and a general sense of well-being.
• More effective in relieving chronic prolonged pain – Due to intense effect on blood activity and the immune system, this technique is very effective to achieve muscle relaxation while strengthening organs of the circulatory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Thus, the optimal functioning of the body is reactivated.
At Boca Raton Acupuncture we are highly skilled and properly trained in the therapeutic use of moxibustion. We usually use this technique as an effective adjunct treatment to supplement the efficacy of acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Learn more about acupuncture, moxibustion and other services we provide by scheduling a free consultation today!
