Benefits of Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a warming technique that amplifies the function of acupuncture. A famous acupuncturist once said that acupuncture without moxibustion is like using a gun without bullets. But most acupuncturists don‘t use it. This is because moxibustion can set off the smoke alarm and it is labour intensive. As a result you cannot treat several patients at the same time because you need to be watching to avoid catching fire. However, at our Roseville clinic, we look after one patient at a time, therefore Moxibustion is frequently used for the patient’s maximum benefit.

What Is Moxibustion & Why is it effective?

Moxibustion is the combustion of mugwort leaves, or artemisia, on an acupuncture point or an area. It has been around for a few thousand years in prevention of epidemics. 

This herb contains minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, sodium, potassium and calcium.   It also has anti-flammatory properties like acupuncture needles. Thus using the two at the same time maximise the anti-inflammatory effect. In addition the moxa fume penetrates deeply into the muscle tissues, warms the meridians & improves circulation. 

Research studies have shown that moxibustion is effective for lower back pain (Ref 2). Acupuncture with moxibustion is more effective than acupuncture alone according to research in knee arthritis (Ref 1). 

What Is It For?

Moxa is used a lot in painful knees, ankles, shoulders, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, painful periods, fertility & IVF support. Scientific studies have shown that moxibustion is calming to the nervous system. The benefits of Moxibustion are summed up here:

• Manages pain
• Fertility support
• Relaxes the mind
• Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral for air disinfection
• Antioxidants remove free radicals and thus slow down ageing
• Expels cold
• Promotes circulation and detoxifies

How To Use Moxibustion?

The simplest way to do moxibustion is to use the rolled up cigar-like stick. So in a bird pecking movement, hold it up and down on a sore joint, sore tummy or an acupuncture point. Do each area for a couple of minutes. Another method is where an acupuncturist would sit a moxa head on top of a needle and then light the moxa. Yet another way is the most ancient method of direct Moxibustion. With this method, moxa cones of loose leaves are placed directly on the skin. Then light the cone. When the heat gets near the skin, blow away the moxa cone. This  is a less common practice because of fire hazard. Definitely leave it with the experienced practitioner. 

Safety Precautions

The most important safety precaution is to make sure the moxa stick has finished burning completely. It’s best to use a moxa extinguisher. Otherwise when you finish with the moxa stick, cut the burning bit under the tap to extinguish it completely. 

Moxa should not be used on open wounds and in certain Heat conditions diagnosed by an experienced practitioner. People with a cough may also stay away from moxibustion as the fumes can irritate the respiratory airways. 

Research on the Effectiveness of Moxibustion

A study written by NIH (National Institute of Health) showed the mechanism of moxibustion in an ancient and modern light (Ref 3). Moxibustion has an impact on the body in 3 mechanisms:

1. Thermal benefits 
   1. Burning moxa can produce high temperature of above 548 degress giving thermal effects. It can increase blood flow and microvascular permeability. It also induces heat shock proteins as a protective mechanism in response to hyperthermia and environmental stresses. 
2. Infrared radiation benefits
   1. The burning moxa emits visible light and near infrared radiation (NIR). NIR promotes blood circulation and improves cell and enzyme activities. NIR can enhance organ metabolism and activate pathological tired cells. It can also adjust the body‘s immune and neurological functions. 
3. Pharmacological effects
   1. The volatile oil in moxa can expand airways, relieving cough and helps expectoration. Having flavonoids and polysaccharides, moxa can promote antioxidant activity. 
   2. The moxa smoke contains complex antiviral and antifungal components that can be used for air disinfection.

References:

1. Comparative effectiveness of moxibustion and acupuncture for the management of osteoarthritis knee: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ScienceDirect Volume 9, Issue 7, July 2023, e17805 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844023050132

2. The effectiveness of moxibustion for treating of low back pain: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine 99(43):p e22522, October 23, 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7581088/

3. The Mechanism of Moxibustion: Ancient Theory and Modern Research, National Institute of Health 2013 Sep 12 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3789413/