What is moxa (moxibustion)? How does it work?
“Needle & Moxa” doodle by yours truly
Did you know — The word for acupuncture in Chinese is comprised of two characters — 針灸 zhen jiu. The first character translates to needle. The second character translates to Moxibustion (aka Moxa).
In the US, acupuncture needles have taken over the spotlight as the most popular Chinese medicine tool used. However, few know about the amazing benefits of moxa! The best part is that it is extremely affordable (under $20 for a dozen sticks in a box). You too can add it to your self care routine (we recommend consulting with your acupuncturist on what points are most suitable for your condition).
TL;DR: Moxa is a powerful tool in Chinese medicine used to fortify your body’s circulation. It is made from dried aged mugwort plant and smoked over specific acupuncture points to help boost energy, boost recovery, boost overall circulation.
What is moxa?
Moxa is the dried and aged form of an herb in the Chinese pharmacopoeia called Ai Ye艾葉 (latin — Folium Artemisiae Argyi). It belongs to the category of regulating blood and stopping bleeding. It helps increase circulation and stimulates the production of your body’s natural healing resources — white blood cells, red blood cells by effusing a deep warmth into the body thereby encouraging more optimum production and utilization of these resources.
Burning Moxa Stick
Why use moxa if acupuncture needles work so well already?
Compared to needles, moxa is even better for fortifying a weak body (think of someone who is often fatigued, recovering from a chronic illness, burnt-out from overworking, post-chemo patients).
While needles are better for improving circulation that is not flowing smoothly, moxa is great for stimulating production of natural healing resources and enhancing circulation that is weakened.
Both are amazing tools for helping the body. In fact, moxa AND needles can be used in conjunction to create a synergistic effect for increasing circulation, tonifying the body, and getting rid of nagging pains and aches. This technique of using both is referred to as “Fire needling”. Super cool.
What does moxa feel like?
Moxa feels warm and fuzzy. The heat is warm and not hot (if it’s too hot, you’re too close). You’re in a very comfortable state and it’s not the sweaty damp type of warm. You are warm from within, not from outside in. You feel energetic but calm — unlike drinking a giant cup of coffee type of energetic — but energetic because things are flowing the way it can and should be.
How to use moxa?
The most common form of moxa is in a stick. The herb is dry aged for a minimum of 7 years and rolled up into a cigar shape with mulberry paper. The stick form makes it easy to burn and hover over acupuncture points. You will also see moxa in the form of loose moxa, moxa box, smokeless moxa, etc.
To use a moxa stick, you light one end of the stick and hover it over specific acupuncture points (depending on your specific condition and needs). So just imagine hovering a cigar about a half inch away from your skin and getting amazing health benefits such as stroke prevention, improved digestive functions, decrease in pain during cold and rainy weather, increased vitality, improved immune system, better energy, the list goes on!
Why should you use moxa?
Using moxa on specific points for 10 minutes several times a week can help prevent stroke and other chronic diseases. It’s all in the intent to maintain proper circulation. You can think of it as investing in a 401K for your health. The tiny effort, a few minutes every other day can help you major prevent illnesses and help you perform better everyday.
Set an appointment soon to see if moxa can help optimize your body and improve your focus and energy!
For a few bucks and a few minutes, why not give yourself a competitive edge? Boost energy, boost recovery, boost overall circulation.
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