Unveiling the Healing Powers of Moxibustion: A Journey Through Time and Tradition
What is Moxa and what are its origins
Moxibustion is an ancient practice of Chinese Medicine that is used to warm, nourish or move depending on what it is needed in the body. It is not suitable for all imbalances, but when it is neeeded, its healing properties are wonderful! It is a safe and gentle treatment for children when used correctly that can be used as a treatment in itself, or as an addition to needles, shonishin or tuina with children.
Moxa is made from Mugwort, 'Artemisia Vulgari', and grows widely throughout the world. In China and Japan it is harvested to make Moxa. The name comes from the Japanese word 'mo kusa' meaning 'Burning Herb', and its botanical name 'Artemisia' is associated with the Greek Goddess Artemis who, amongst other roles, was the protector of children and midwives.
Types of Moxa
All parts of herb are harvested to produce different types of moxibustion - all with their own therapeutic effects -
the moxa stick in the image above uses the branch and leaf, and burns slowly - this is used with all age children
the moxa used on acupuncture needles is produced from the leaf and burns more quickly, and is suitable for older children who are already able to stay still.
Then there are direct moxa techniques where large cones or tiny rice grains are placed directly on to the skin and burnt down to different levels according to therapeutic effect needed. This Moxa is very fast burning and produced from the fur underneath the leaf. These techniques again, are only used with older children if appropriate. (This style of moxa practice deserves its own post as it is a therapy on its own and extremely effective in clearing blockages within the meridian system prior to building and nourishing).
Moxa in Treatment
Using moxa within a treatment and where suitable feels wonderful to receive. Its benefits and uses include warming an area or meridian where there is cold, helping to expel the cold from the body; Nourishing where there is weakness; Moving energy where it is stuck - stuck energy will lead to pain, so reinitiating flow is key.
Rebecca Wheatley works in the Acorn Children’s Clinic as well as her own private practice in Acupuncture, Aromatherapy; Facial Acupuncture; Microneedle Therapy; Celluma Low-Level Light Therapy