How to Do Moxibustion Therapy at Home
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You might be aware that traditional Chinese medicinal practices are gaining popularity from around the world these days. Moxibustion Therapy is one such practice that originated in China.
Right from very long, Chinese acupuncturists have been using this therapy in association with Acupuncture therapy. Even, it can be used as a standalone treatment for some conditions. Similar to different styles of acupuncture therapy, Moxibustion Therapy is also offered in different styles and types.
The traditional medical method involves the use of a Chinese herb, where the herb is burnt. This herb is referred to as Mugwort and it is available in varied forms like charcoal, loose and rolled. The stick from the mugwort plant is referred to as moxa.
Two types of practices are followed by an acupuncturist using Moxibustion Therapy for treating patients. They are:
When the leaves of the mugwort plant are burnt, it will produce a pungent smell, which many people dislike. The poor thing is that this smell will continue to stay for long in the skin even after the therapy is completed. For those, who dislike it, they can prefer using charcoal moxa, which is otherwise referred to as smokeless moxa.
Traditional Chinese practitioners classify the mugwort herb into q-moving and toning herb. The Qi-moving property of this herb will help with increasing blood circulation, while the latter will help with strengthening the energy. Traditionally, this therapy is known to address the following conditions:
When done under constant supervision, Moxibustion therapy is safe for the conditions listed above. The most commonly reported adverse effects of this therapy are the scars or burns it creates. This happens particularly when direct therapy is followed.
However, this therapy should not be applied with the presence of certain conditions like skin sensitivity, diabetes, neurological issues, particularly when thermal nerve sensitivity is affected, elderly patients, those with excess heat issues and individuals with respiratory or breathing issues.
In general, acupuncturists decide about using Moxibustion therapy along with acupuncture based on the severity and the presentation of the health condition for which acupuncture is given.
For instance, indirect moxa is known to be effective for knee injuries, ankle sprains, surgical scars and threatened miscarriage and in these cases, indirect moxa to the local injury site along with acupuncture needles will help.
Your therapist will decide based on the severity of the condition and also will decide whether or not to go for direct moxa after considering different factors.
One of the excellent benefits of Moxibustion therapy is that you can do it at home itself. However, before you start it at home, it is better to consult with a registered acupuncturist. The therapist will suggest whether this therapy will suit you or not.
Now, you know that Moxibustion therapy is a form of Chinese Medicine. So, the qualified person you should consult before taking up this therapy is a registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner. A qualified practitioner is one, who has got a Bachelor’s Degree in Chinese Medicine.
Also, the practitioner should be affiliated with an association like the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association or the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. This holds only for Australians.
You should look for the appropriate body in your home nation. When you do an initial consultation, you have every right to ask for the registration details, qualifications, and experience of the practitioner.
Before you actually try the Moxibustion therapy on your own in the home, it is better to get it done from a professional initially. When you take the case of the United States, the practitioners generally hold a burning moxa stick close to your skin, but they will ensure that the stick does not touch the surface of your skin.
In this method, they will use the moxa material that is compressed into a pole or a stick. It will produce a unique type of penetrating heat.
Then, they will hold the smoldering stick over a particular area based on the acupuncture point to be treated. They will hold the stick against the area until it reddens and turns flooded with warmth.
You will need the moxa stick. Here, it would be better to choose a charcoal-based stick. The reason is that it will not produce a pungent smell that the other forms of the herb produce. You will also need a candle, a matchbox with match sticks or a lighter. Further, you will need a moxa holder and a small ceramic heat-proof bowl.
In the process of Moxibustion therapy, you will have to do the following things:
When you should know what to do when you take Moxibustion therapy at home, you should know what should not be done to prevent any burns. Here are certain things not to do:
Most practitioners do not hesitate to teach how to do this therapy. Even, you will find course providers teaching this therapy. You can learn from them or even you can learn from trustworthy videos online before you try the Moxibustion therapy at home. It is, of course, a beneficial therapy.
But, you should make sure that the right techniques with the right tools are followed to ensure that you get the utmost benefits for which you plan to take this therapy.
This post was last modified on February 23, 2021 12:48 am