Moxibustion

Moxibustion is the technique of burning a dried herb, usually Common Mugwort (artemesia vulgaris) either directly or indirectly over specific areas of the body or acupuncture points. When alight, the moxa burns in a very slow and controlled way producing a very penetrating heat directly into the points and channels to influence the flow of Qi and Blood.

Moxa has a characteristic musty smell of strong incense as it smoulders rather than burns and some practitioners may use a form of smokeless moxa.

Moxa is one of the most effective ways of Tonifying Qi, Yang  and Blood deficiency and for moving Cold, Dampness and

Stagnation. Despite the smell during its use the advantages of using Moxa far outweigh the  disadvantages, particularly in our climate!

Moxa can be applied in many ways, the most common being the Moxa stick, a large cigar shaped roll of compressed herb which is held over specific points or  moved over a larger area.

Loose Moxa can be shaped into cones of varying sizes and placed directly onto the body over acupuncture points and

removed before they burn down or get too hot. This is the favoured method of acupuncturists especially those who are

Japanese trained. Moxa can also be placed over the end of a needle inserted into a point to provide a more penetrating heat, can be burnt in a moxa box to spread the heat over a larger area, or used in a Tiger warmer for specific techniques and on the face

Conditions that may be helped by Moxa include:

Ø Low Back Pain, especially that which is worse for the cold and better for movement.

Ø Severe cramping menstrual pain

Ø Abdominal pain

Ø Joint aches and pains, especially if they are aggravated by the cold

Moxa has also been used in the treatment of infertility and is very successful in turning Babies which are in a breech

presentation in the later stages of pregnancy.

 

Cupping

Cupping is an ancient technique that is still in use today. It is commonly portrayed as being Chinese but was also in use in this country well into the nineteenth century (even in hospitals) and is still in common use in many Mediterranean and

eastern European countries.

 

Cupping is a really useful technique in the treatment of localised Qi or Blood stagnation which can manifest as pain or stiffness, it is also very useful in the treatment of colds and asthma.

 

Cups are usually made of robust glass and are come in various sizes for use on different parts of the body.

Some practitioners may use plastic cups with a suction bulb. To apply the cup, a lighted taper is held inside the cup for a short time and the cup is then placed immediately onto the selected area of the body. This creates a vacuum which draws the skin into the cup. This encourages the flow of Qi and blood in the area. The strength of the suction depends on the skill of the practitioner in placing the cup on the body. The cup may be left in position for a considerable length of time, removed after seconds and replaced repeatedly or applied over a layer of oil and moved around the body to encourage a more generalised movement of Qi or Blood.

 

Cupping draws blood to the surface of the body and as a result bruising may occur, this is considered a good sign as this shows the ‘bad’ blood or stagnation is moving. These bruises generally disappear after a few days. Although this may sound painful it is not so  and cupping is a very useful therapeutic technique working very well along side both acupuncture and shiatsu or as a stand alone treatment

Acupuncture Uk

 

‘All generations should hold in awe the beneficial application of heat to treat disease’

Nei Ching

Moxibustion and Cupping

To contact us:

Phone: 01323 430025

Email: andrew@acupunctureuk.net