Moxibustion

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What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a classic Chinese medicine treatment which involves the application of heat to specific acupuncture points to warm the body, increase blood flow and nourish the immune system.

It involves burning moxa, a cone or stick made of ground mugwort leaves, on or near your body’s meridians and acupuncture points.

Practitioners believe that the resulting heat helps stimulate these points and improves the flow of qi (energy) in your body. According to traditional Chinese medicine practices, this increased qi circulation can help with a range of health issues, from chronic pain to digestive troubles.

How Moxibustion Works in Rosedale

Moxibustion is performed by our qualified acupuncturists. Moxa can be applied to the body directly, on top of an acupuncture needle, or from a distance using a moxa stick. It produces a pleasant and warming sensation, and is often used to enhance the effect of acupuncture treatments.

The procedure warms specific regions of the body, identified as meridian points, a concept similar to acupuncture points. Heat is applied to acupoints by burning compressed powdered herbal material. The intention is to stimulate circulation and make blood flow more freely. Ancient Chinese concepts believe that the warmth makes up for the “yang deficiency” that causes cold and other problems in a person’s body.

Moxibustion Specialties in Markham

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Moxibustion Benefits

Whether on its own or combined with acupuncture, a moxibustion treatment can provide a number of physical benefits, including:

Conditions Treated

Moxibustion can be used to treat various conditions, such as:

Back pain
Arthritis
Headaches
Migraines
Muscle stiffness
Tendonitis
Ulcers
Fatigue
Infertility
Menstrual cramps
Cancer
Digestive problems
Gynecological and obstetrical conditions

Moxibustion Treatment Procedure

The Process
Duration
Sensation
Side Effects

The Process

The practitioner lights the cone and lets it burn slowly. Once you begin to feel heat, the practitioner removes it. Moxa can also be placed on the acupuncture needle and ignited. It burns on the needle until it’s extinguished. The heat travels through the needle to the acupuncture point.

Duration

Moxibustion is administered for up to 30 minutes in a single session, and is often combined with acupuncture or cupping treatments.

Sensation

Patients receiving moxibustion often report a sudden flooding of warmth that quickly radiates along a specific pathway (usually corresponding with the jing luo channel that is being treated) away from the site of application. This is a good result, as it indicates the arrival of the Qi and signals that the flow of Qi and xue has been freed in the channel.

Side Effects

While moxibustion has been proven to be a safe treatment by years and years of Chinese medicine, it is not advisable for everyone and should only be used for its known purposes. Since moxibustion normally treats those who are afflicted with cold or stagnant conditions, people with too much heat should not use it. Also, due to the smoke produced from burning moxa, patients with lung problems should be advised by the practitioner.

Moxibustion Results

Different people will observe results at varying intervals,depending on their particular constitution and on which ailments were treated. Generally, however, moxibustion takes its effects gradually, and it is not a technique that will immediately show its full range of effects.

Moxibustion is often effectively administered along with acupuncture or cupping therapies.

Moxibustion FAQ

Does moxibustion hurt?

No. Generally, the patient will experience a pleasant heating sensation that penetrates deep into the skin, and should not experience any pain.

What is mugwort?

Mugwort is a species of plants found in Asia, Europe, and North America. It’s a plant that has been used in Korean, Japanese, and Chinese Traditional Medicine. Mugwort is the herb that is burned near the acupoint.

Is there a lot of smoke during the treatment?

Not really. If you are sensitive to smoke or have a breathing problem please discuss with us when booking your appointment so we can learn more about your situation and offer a personalized recommendation.

How does moxibustion work with acupuncture?

This practice is meant to be used in conjunction with acupuncture but both can be used exclusively. They both are an aspect of traditional Chinese medicine and offer great benefits.

Can moxibustion be done without acupuncture?

Yes, moxibustion can offer significant benefits on its own, as well as in conjunction with other treatments and herbal therapies.

Why us? We provide high-quality TCM and acupuncture services while always prioritizing the client’s comfort.