Moxibustion, or Moxa, is the application of heat to acupuncture points or to other areas of the body which treat and prevent conditions and disharmonies.
The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of traditional Chinese medicine, is to strengthen the Blood, stimulate the Qi flow, and maintain general health.
Moxibustion uses moxa or moxa wool from the herb Artemisia Vulgaris (Ai Ye, or Mugwort, Chinese wormwood), a type of aromatic Chrysanthemum. The moxa leaf is bitter and acrid, and it gives warmth in small amounts and strong heat used in large amounts.
Its usage is indicated to treat cold syndromes and is applicable for many diseases such as deficiencies, excess and acute conditions.
Moxibustion Functions:
- It warms the channels to expel cold and damp. It warms, moves and unblocks Qi in the channels.
- It promotes Qi and blood circulation, resolves blood stagnation, and removes obstruction and pain. Especially good for dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and Bi Syndrome (Arthritis).
- It courses through the three Yin, representing fluids which run from the feet to the chest, including Spleen, Kdiney, and Liver channels.
- It prevents disease and maintains health
- It opens blockages of energy from the 12 primary channels