Unveiling the Healing Power of Moxibustion: A Time-Tested Therapy
“Never go on a trip with someone who does not burn moxa on ST 36
(ST 36 is an acupuncture point on the stomach meridian)”
Moxibustion, often called ‘moxa’, involves the burning of dried mugwort, a medicinal herb, on or around specific acupuncture points on the body.
The heat generated during moxibustion is believed to stimulate the flow of vital energy, known as Qi, throughout the body.
Moxibustion nourishes, warms, strengthens, and activates while also having the ability to dissolve pain, dispel dampness and support detoxification.
A *brief* history of moxibustion
(the parts I find interesting)
Moxa was used as early as the 2nd century! Two medical texts were discovered describing moxa therapy from the excavation of the Ma Wang Dui tombs in 1973. The writing was believed to be from the Qin Dynasty (255-206 bc).
Used by Shamans in pre-Han dynasty China for exorcistic practices to expell disease-causing ‘demons’.
In the classical texts, moxibustion and acupuncture were discussed and developed together.
Moxa was considered a folk remedy in Japan utilized by the lay person because of it’s ease of use.
The American army tried to prohibit the practice of acupuncture and moxibustion after the Second World War (eye roll).
What is Moxa Good For?
Pain Relief
Moxa is renowned for its effectiveness in alleviating various types of pain. Whether it’s chronic conditions like arthritis or muscular discomfort, the heat generated by moxibustion is thought to enhance blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote pain relief.
Digestive Health
Moxa is crucial for digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, Chron’s disease, and diarrhea. Moxa aims to restore balance and harmony within the GI tract by targeting specific acupuncture points related to digestion.
Menstrual Health
Moxa is frequently used to address menstrual health, including menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, and menstrual cramps. The therapy is believed to regulate hormonal imbalances and improve reproductive health by enhancing blood flow to the reproductive organs.
Immune Support
Moxa can strengthen the immune system by contributing to overall wellness and helping the body defend itself against illnesses.
Longevity Medicine
Dr. Shimetara Hara (1883-1991, died at 108) and Manpei a farmer who lived from 1596-1868 (if that’s true, that’s 300 years old) said their secret to longevity was applying moxa to ST 36 (an acupuncture point just below the knee) every day. Dr. Hara stated ‘moxibustion therapy is effective for *all* disease. Burn moxa at ST 36 daily and you will never need to see a doctor.’
Moxibustion is shown to prevent disease and maintain good function of our organs.
References
While I have included research below, a lot of research tends to be small-scale studies, placebo is hard with moxibustion, and there’s often a high risk of bias. While the research continues to grow, the above is based on my clinical experience, the clinical experience of colleagues and mentors, as well as personal experience utilizing moxibustion for my health.
Pain:
Digestion:
Menses:
Primary dysmenorrhea:
PCOS:
PCOS and Fertility:
Endometriosis:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213422023000823
Immune and systemic Inflammation:
Covid-19:
Inflammation:
Longevity:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221009318
