Moxotherapy takes its name from the moxa used in its treatments, which are dried herbs that, when burning, are used to heat acupuncture points. It is based on stimulating these points on the human body. While acupuncture uses needles for stimulation, moxa therapy uses burning dried herbs.
What is moxotherapy?
Toxtherapy is procedure of a type of thermotherapy, originating in ancient Mongolia, also known as thermal acupuncture. Heat has been proven to have unique healing properties, and it improves the energy circulating around the meridians and improves blood circulation in the body. Traces of the origins of moxa therapy date back to ancient times - it is one of the oldest types of treatment in Chinese medicine. At first, moxa therapy only functioned in folk medicine and was used for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Over time, it became an element of Oriental medicine and a complement to treatment with the aid of acupuncture. The two methods support each other, forming one of the pillars of Chinese medicine.
Toxotherapy - effective herbs
In many Far Eastern countries, moxotherapy is a popular form of treatment. It is based on the application of heat from inflamed herbs to acupuncture points.
A wild plant called Chinese wormwood was used for the moxotherapy treatment -. Artemisium moxaeSince the 3rd century AD, the mugwort herb has been selected for this purpose. Traditional moxa is shaped like a cigar, which is filled with properly prepared leaves extracted from this particular plant. In the past, moxa was applied directly to the skin, causing a slight burn, which left scars on the body. Nowadays, other techniques are used. Nowadays, moxa therapy uses a cigar, stick or cone, prepared from the herb Artemisia absinthium (mugwort) or from charcoal.
Mugwort is a pungent and bitter herb, has a warming effect and moves the blood and is, according to Chinese medicine, linked to the meridians of the lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys. It is a specific herb that produces heat when burned, which has the ability to penetrate deeply into the body. Moxa can be stuck on slices, on an acupuncture needle or placed in a house, Her moxa cones can also be placed on ginger or garlic slices.
Course of treatment
The moxibustion treatment begins with the therapist identifying points on the patient's body, which are usually located on the legs and arms. He then stimulates them with heat in order to unblock the energy channels. To do this, the therapist makes rhythmic movements with a cigar at a distance of 2-3 mm above the patient's skin.
Indications and contraindications for moxotherapy
Moxa treatment boosts the body's immunity, restores the normal functioning of internal organs, and relieves pain. Moxa therapy is often recommended in combination with classical acupuncture. The following are considered as indications for moxotherapy treatment:
- muscle pains,
- back pain,
- reduced immunity,
- reduced well-being,
- fatigue,
- insomnia,
- skin lesions,
- urinary incontinence.
- indigestion,
- eating disorders,
- abdominal pains.
Contraindications to the procedure, however, are:
- pregnancy,
- menstruation,
- hypertension,
- acute inflammation of the skin,
- acute infections,
- high fever,
- after a hearty meal,
- in young children,
- in patients with sensory impairment,
- in a state of drainage,
- arterial area.
Types of heating
Stimulation techniques depend on the type of problem and the patient's condition. Heating can be used:
- fixed, use a cigar or cone stuck through a special protective adhesive,
- intermittent, i.e. moving the moxa cigar closer and further away from the patient's skin,
- stroking, involving moving the moxa along a particular area of the body, meridian or muscle.
- a special roller with a hole in the middle, used for the ear,
- through a moxa cone placed on a piece of aluminium foil at the bottom of the toilet, in the presence of haemorrhoids,
- using a wooden house with cotton wool placed inside - for menstrual pain and the treatment of the intestines, liver, duodenum and stomach.
