Moxibustion is a Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment using a Chinese herb called Moxa (Artemisia Vulgaris), also known as ‘Mugwort’.
Moxa can be used to strengthen blood, promote healing, strengthen the flow of Qi (energy), relax muscles and maintain general health.
There are many applications of the use of moxa. In our clinic, moxa is used commonly used in the form of a herbal moxa stick or moxa cone that sits on top of an acupuncture needle.
Moxa sticks are also commonly given to clients as a take home treatment plan.
A moxa stick is a cigar-shaped stick of compressed and rolled moxa. The stick is then lit and held over acupuncture points. Thinner sticks are commonly used on fingers / toes, while the thicker sticks are used for larger areas.
Moxa Cones comprise of finely ground charcoal and moxa herbs that are compressed into perfectly formed caps. Nicole likes to use the Ondan Moxa, a product that has revolutionised traditional needle moxa use. It is smokeless, odourless and burns down to a solid ash which is easily removed from the needle head. Each piece burns for approximately 7 minutes on top of a stainless steel needle.
Positive research has indicated that moxibustion is an effective treatment in assisting breech presentation in pregnancy and a valid option for women wishing to experience a natural birth. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15280133.