Moxa is a spongy herb used to facilitate healing. It is an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine. Moxibustion refers to the lighting of small pieces of moxa herb to release heat in a carefully controlled manner on or around the skin.
Moxibustion is not for everyone. It may be contraindicated in those with high blood pressure or symptoms of overheating. This aside, moxibustion is an extremely helpful technique to benefit poor circulation and low energy in particular. It has gained a particular reputation for turning breech babies, possibly due to its effect in increasing pelvic circulation. It can also be used to assist with fluid movement – for example with arthritis and chest congestion. But this is merely the tip of the iceberg for this wonderful herb. Moxibustion has also been shown to be highly effective for Plantar fasciitis pain, sciatica and sciatic compression and has even shown positive results in the management and treatment of infertility.
Modern research of the mechanism of Moxibustion mainly relate to the thermal effects, its radiation spectrum being close to that of infrared.
Experimental results have shown that Moxibustion thermal stimulation affects both shallow and deep tissues of the skin, and the warm-heat effects of Moxibustion affect the warm receptors or/and the polymodal receptor.
The purpose is to add in energy or move energy. It is warming and comforting supportive for pain and to boost energy depletions. The warmth is said to help dispel unwanted pathogens in the body. The plant, known to help speed up healing, was used in Asia for thousands of years due to its medicinal purposes, with the use of it spreading not just across China but also in Japan, Vietnam and Korea and more recently to the West.
It is known to increase blood circulation, especially in the pelvic and uterus area, making it more beneficial for women.
There are several ways of using and applying Moxa its most commonly heard of when used in conjunction with acupuncture but it is used in several other therapies including Shiatsu and Reflexology.