Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique which involves the burning of mug-wort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. It is often paired in treatment with acupuncture. The purpose of moxibustion is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of energy, and maintain general health.
In my practice, I mostly use a ‘smokeless’ moxa which looks like a coal cigar. I use it primarily near the bottoms of the feet and lower legs to increase circulation and warm the meridian channels on the lower limbs. Depending on where moxa is ‘burned’ on the body, it has different actions. Anyone who runs cold, has poor circulation or anemia, would greatly benefit from moxibustion. It greatly nourishes those who have underlying weakness. Moxibustion can also be burned on the stomach for digestive weakness, and directly on the skin in some circumstances.
The Kidney meridian is the ONLY meridian that has a point on the bottom of the feet (KD-1) For fertility and endocrine deficiencies, moxa is a necessity. Infertility most often has Kidney deficiency component that requires warmth and nourishment of the Kidney channel. Moxa is nourishing, and ‘puts energy back’ into the body. Whereas cupping pulls energy out and used for more excess conditions such as pain.
Moxibustion on the bottoms of the feet is warming, and relaxing. Once you have experienced moxa yourself, you will know exactly what I am talking about.
Moxibustion sessions can be done solo or as part of the acupuncture Treatment.