Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a modality that complements acupuncture in the treatment of many conditions. It involves working with a medicinal herb, Artemesia Vulgaris (Ai Ye), which is ignited and used to stimulate points and meridians in a way that is similar to the use of acupuncture needles.
Moxibustion can be performed in numerous ways. For example, belly bowl moxa on the lower abdomen can be helpful in treating various digestive and/or oby-gyn complaints; moxa ignited on the ends of needles (kyotishin) can be helpful in treating certain forms of arthritis of the knee; and indirect moxibustion (holding an ignited stick of moxa near the area to be treated) can be helpful in treating inflammatory conditions and pain anywhere in the body. Of perhaps the greatest benefit, however, is direct moxibustion (okyu), which involves igniting a thread of very refined moxa directly on a point. While many conditions can be treated effectively entirely by direct moxibustion, it can be alternately be used on select points to strongly amplify an acupuncture treatment. The process of moxibustion not only stimulates and activates points and meridians, but the medicinal properties of the herb enter the body through the points and meridians, helping to balance and invigorate the body's systems, while creating a warm and nurturing sensation throughout. |