What is Moxibustion Therapy?
Moxibustion therapy is a longstanding tradition of Chinese medicine using a form of heat therapy created by burning a dried plant called moxa. It is made from the leafy material of Chinese Ai Ye or mugwort. The purpose of this herb is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi (chi) in the body by using it indirectly, with acupuncture needles, or near the surface of the skin.
In our clinic, due to building code restrictions, we offer the smokeless stick moxibustion therapy, or use a moxa tea spray. When using moxa tea, the affected area’s skin is sprayed and heating lamps are placed over the area to deliver the required heat. Sometimes moxibustion is used in conjunction with acupuncture therapy and other times alone depending on the condition being treated and patient’s diagnosis. Note that we do train patients to use moxibustion at home when it will benefit progress.
What Conditions Does Moxibustion Treat?
Because fire (yang) is moxibustion’s central element, it is most often used to dispel cold stagnation (yin). The combination of herbs and heat from moxibustion therapy can reduce pain, stop itching, and dispel dampness (fluid retention). Some conditions that respond well to treatment include:
- Joint pain and arthritis
- Depression and low mood
- Shingles
- Sciatica
- Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Poor digestion
- Hypersensitivity to cold
- Lowered immunity.
Please call us at 832-557-8535 with any questions you may have or to arrange for a free consultation to discover if moxibustion can help bring health and wellness to you.
