What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion or Moxa, is the burning of the Chinese herb Ai Ye (Mugwort), in one of its many forms, on or near the body. There are three ways that moxa is typically used. They are: pole-moxa (indirect), rice grain or cone moxa (direct), and warming needle technique. I will discuss each of these in greater detail below:
Pole Moxa
Pole moxa has many forms but in general, Ai Ye is processed and compressed into cigar-like poles that are lit and used to warm acupoints (with or without needles) or affected areas of the body. The pole is held about 1-2 inches from the area being treated and often elicits a warm, comforting sensation. Most people enjoy pole moxa.
Pole moxa has many forms but in general, Ai Ye is processed and compressed into cigar-like poles that are lit and used to warm acupoints (with or without needles) or affected areas of the body. The pole is held about 1-2 inches from the area being treated and often elicits a warm, comforting sensation. Most people enjoy pole moxa.
Rice Grain or Cone moxa
With this form of moxibustion, Ai Ye is formed into small bits similar to the size of a grain of rice, or into small cones which are then placed over acupoints. They are lit with incense and usually removed or extinguished before burning all the way to the skin. Moxa cones are sometimes placed on top of a slice of ginger to enhance its warming nature and as a barrier against burning the skin. This style of moxa is usually more intense than pole moxa.
With this form of moxibustion, Ai Ye is formed into small bits similar to the size of a grain of rice, or into small cones which are then placed over acupoints. They are lit with incense and usually removed or extinguished before burning all the way to the skin. Moxa cones are sometimes placed on top of a slice of ginger to enhance its warming nature and as a barrier against burning the skin. This style of moxa is usually more intense than pole moxa.
Warming Needle
Warming needle technique has a very interesting look and a very enjoyable effect. Moxa is rolled into balls and placed on top of an inserted needle and then lit. The warmth then travels down the needle and gives one a feeling of deep warmth. This feels great on a sore low back and can aid in digestion or pain relief, among many other things.
Warming needle technique has a very interesting look and a very enjoyable effect. Moxa is rolled into balls and placed on top of an inserted needle and then lit. The warmth then travels down the needle and gives one a feeling of deep warmth. This feels great on a sore low back and can aid in digestion or pain relief, among many other things.