Moxibustion is the use of the moxa stick to unblock the specific meridian. Moxa stick is made of raw herb (Mugwort leaf). The English name for Mugwort is Artemisia. Mugwort is warm in temperature. Its functions include dispelling cold-dampness, stopping pain due to cold, stopping bleeding, and calming the fetus during pregnancy. Moxa is especially good for any condition caused by coldness.
There are many different ways to administer the moxa including direct moxa, indirect moxa, etc. We use indirect moxa since it is safer to use. The indirect moxa is used by lighting up the moxa stick on one end and hovering it over the acupuncture points about 1-2 inch in height. It will normally take from 5-minutes to 15-minutes. The rule of thumb is to keep a good warming sensation over the point, but not too much to burn the skin. When you feel too hot, simply remove the moxa temporarily. The indirect heat will carry the mugwort herbal functions into the body to unblock the channel we are working on.
When Jean feels it necessary, she will prescribe the moxa for the patient to take home to administer by themselves. A couple of things need to be kept in mind when you administer moxa at home:
- It needs to be in a well ventilated area. In the summer, you can administer it outside in the backyard or on the balcony. Make sure not to expose the points to direct wind.
- Make sure to extinguish the moxa stick fully after each use. You can either extinguish it by purchasing the professional moxa extinguisher or extinguish it into the ash tray, rice, sand, or water, etc.
Moxa is also very good for maintaining general health. In a lot of Asian countries, people like to use moxa every day on specific points to maintain good health. It can help to increase the immunity, boost energy, and promote longevity etc. Please consult Jean for specific points which can help you.