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Read MoreJanuary 18, 2025
Hi, it’s Satoru from hariQ acupuncture & herbs. In this blog post, I would like to explain one of the most common questions I get from my patients: What is Moxa? Officially known as moxibustion or “Okyu” in Japanese, Moxa is made from dried mugwort, a popular Chinese herb to treat various disorders and diseases including pain, inflammation, digestive psychological, gynecological issues. I hope this information helps you understand why we, as acupuncturists, frequently incorporate Moxa into our practice.
We understand this can be a lot of information and overwhelming: if you are looking for more support and answers, set up a free consultation with our Acupuncturist, Satoru Ozawa. Share your story, get your questions answered, and learn how you can set yourself up for tremendous success in achieving a healthy life.
Moxa or Moxibustion is one of the oldest healing practices out there, and its roots might stretch all the way back to our ancient ancestors. Moxa is made from dried mugwort, also known as “Ai Ye” in Chinese herbs. This herbal remedy is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for its warming properties, which can help alleviate upset stomachs, relieve pain and inflammation, and reduce menstrual cramps, etc.
Ancient oriental doctors would gently apply Moxa to the skin and warm it over acupuncture points. This technique would help in increase skin temperature, promote better blood flow, and relax muscle tension in the area being treated.
One of the Research from China, looking at studies from 1954 to 2007, found that moxibustion can effectively treat up to 364 different conditions, including knee osteoarthritis, TMJ issues, soft tissue injuries, heel pain, asthma, urinary incontinence, herpes zoster, painful period, diarrhea, colitis, malposition of the baby, fatigue and even age-related concerns.
Moxibustion can help alleviate various types of pain, including joint pain, back pain, and menstrual cramps, by improving circulation and reducing inflammation.
It can help in digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea by stimulating the digestive organs.
The heat from moxibustion is thought to help strengthen the immune system and enhance the body’s ability to fight off illness.
Moxibustion may improve blood flow, which can facilitate healing and enhance overall bodily function.
It can be beneficial for managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and other inflammatory disorders.
The warming and soothing effects of moxibustion can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation.
In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is believed to help balance the body’s energy (Qi), which can promote overall well-being.
Some practitioners suggest that moxibustion can also help with fertility issues by improving the health of the reproductive system.
There are several methods for using Moxa, including direct Moxa and indirect Moxa. Different types of indirect Moxa include Zi Yun Gao moxa, salt moxa, ginger moxa, and Moxa applied to acupuncture needles.
Direct Moxa involves placing Moxa directly on the skin and applying heat to create a warming sensation. This method is the most effective but can be a bit harsher than other techniques. You will experience an instant tingling or hot sensation on the skin, which helps stimulate the brain to increase dopamine and dilate blood vessels, promoting healing in the surrounding area, especially if you are targeting pain.
The most common place to use direct Moxa is at the top of your head, specifically on the Du20 acupuncture point. This point is one of the most powerful for calming the mind, relieving stress, and enhancing mental clarity.
Indirect Moxa involves placing a barrier between the burning Moxa and the skin, allowing you to feel warmth without the risk of burning skin. A common choice for this barrier is Zi Yun Gao, an ointment designed to prevent skin burns.
Indirect Moxa is particularly beneficial for conditions such as injuries, swelling, poor circulation, pain (including neuropathy), and frozen shoulder, where enhancing circulation is desired.
Another indirect method is moxibustion on the needles. This technique focuses on muscles that feel tight and cold, such as in cases of chronic lower back pain. First, the needles are inserted, and then Moxa is placed on top of them. The heat travels through the needles, warming deeper areas like the muscles. This process helps to circulate blood and soften the muscle tissue, alleviating pain associated with lower back issues and sciatica.
Please consult a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, including acupuncture, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
We'll be happy to answer your questions.
As a general rule of thumb, the sooner one receives treatment, the better the prognosis. Some patients come to treatment months or even years after the initial onset, and these chronic cases are often more complex and take a much longer time to achieve results. Even then, recovery is not guaranteed.
Regarding the frequency of treatments, Acupuncture follows a simple rule. Acute and relatively new conditions are most effectively treated with more frequent visits, whereas chronic and old conditions can benefit from more widespread treatments. In other words, if you just had an onset of diseases or disorders, you will probably be prescribed 2-3 treatments per week in order to get the most effective results, and chronic cases will generally come in only once a week.
If you or a loved one want to learn more about acupuncture and whether it’s appropriate for your case, send us a message through our contact page. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. I appreciate your interest and hope to see you again for future posts.
We understand this can be a lot of information and overwhelming: if you are looking for more support and answers, set up a free consultation with our acupuncturist, Satoru Ozawa. Share your story, get your questions answered, and learn how you can set yourself up for tremendous success in achieving a healthy life.
These blogs are about natural remedies, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Chinese herbs, and health tips.
I want to show how to alleviate tinnitus, which sounds like whistling, buzzing, roaring, or clicking, especially at night, using...
Read MoreMoxa is effective for conditions such as inflammation, coldness, pain & poor circulation. I hope this helps you understand why...
Read MoreSatoru Ozawa, L.Ac, ATC
hariQ acupuncture & herbs
Licensed acupuncturist, Certified Athletic Trainer and Chinese herbal specialist. With his 10 years of experience in Oriental Medicine, he will recommend the best natural Remedies, including Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and health tips to relieve your suffering.