Moxa - Part 1

If you have had acupuncture treatment with me or been in my office, you are familiar with the woodsy, sweet, earthy smell of Moxa (mugwort/artemisia vulgaris).  The first time in the office patients will often ask what they smell or let me know that something smells like it is burning.

But a bigger question once you have a treatment with Moxa is what is it doing?

Moxibustion is believed to have originated in ancient China, dating back over 2,500 years. The earliest recorded use of moxibustion is found in the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine).  This treatment involves burning dried mugwort on or near the surface of the skin to facilitate healing. The burning moxa produces a gentle warmth that penetrates deeply into the body.

Moxibustion promotes the flow of Qi (vital energy) in the body and to restore balance to the body's functioning. It can treat conditions such as pain, digestive disorders, menstrual issues, and even breech presentation in pregnancy.  I often share with my patients that moxa is a supplement to our energy.  Like taking a vitamin or supplement to make sure we have all the vitamins our body needs, moxa supplement/build our qi when it is low or deficient.

Two different techniques of moxibustion, including direct and indirect moxibustion. Direct moxibustion involves placing a small cone or ball of moxa directly on the skin and burning it until the patient feels the warmth. Indirect moxibustion involves burning the moxa above the skin with a moxa stick or on the end of the needle.

Several recent studies have explored the effects of moxibustion on blood cell production. These studies have reported an increase in red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, and white blood cell count following moxibustion treatment, particularly in individuals with anemia or immune system disorders.
 
It's hypothesized that the heat generated during moxibustion stimulates the release of certain growth factors and cytokines, which in turn could promote hematopoiesis and immune function.

In my next newsletter, I will talk about the aromatherapy properties of moxa as well as the traditional uses in 5-element Acupuncture and Japanese-style acupuncture.