Moxibustion Works Well With Acupuncture
By Anonymous, Thu Dec 8th

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical technique forunblocking qi (the energy that allegedly permeates all things)by inserting disposable needles at particular points on the bodyto balance the opposing forces of yin and yang.

When yin and yang are in harmony, qi flows freely within thebody and a person is healthy. When a person is sick, diseased,or injured, there is an obstruction of qi along one of themeridians. Traditional Chinese Medicine has identified some2,000 specific points where needles are to be inserted forspecific effects.

What does acupuncture feel like? Do the needles hurt?

People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel minimalor no pain as the needles are inserted. Some people areenergized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.

What is moxibustion?

Moxibustion, or moxa for short, is an ancient form of heattherapy. Moxa uses the ground up leaves of the plant mugwort(Artemesia vulgaris or ai ye in Chinese). The burning of moxa isbelieved to expel cold and warm the meridians, which leads to asmoother flow of blood and qi.

How does moxibustion work? Does it hurt?

There are two types of moxibustion -- direct and indirect.

In direct moxibustion, a small, cone-shaped amount of herb isplaced on top of an acupuncture point and burned. The patientwill experience a pleasant heating sensation that penetratesdeep into the skin, but should not experience any pain,blistering or scarring unless the moxa is left in place for toolong.

Indirect moxibustion is currently the more popular form of carebecause there is a much lower risk of pain or burning. Inindirect moxibustion, a practitioner lights one end of a moxastick, roughly the shape and size of a cigar, and holds it closeto the area being treated for several minutes until the areaturns red.

Who is moxibustion good for?

It is used specifically for patients suffering from cold orstagnant constitutions. It should not be used on anyonediagnosed with too much heat.

"It is especially good for women who have joint pains, menstrualcramps, irregular periods, and infertility."

How is acupuncture paired with moxibustion?

When the needles are in the body, the smoldering moxa stick isheld a couple inches away from the skin, usually around theinserted needles. The practitioner will monitor the heat level,and work with the patient to provide a therapeutic level of heatwhile maintaining comfort and safety.

This simultaneous use of moxibustion with the acupuncture needleintensifies the therapeutic benefit of the given acupuncturepoint.

Can anybody practise moxibustion?

Moxibustion is usually taught as part of a qualified acupunctureor Traditional Chinese Medicine degree programme. It takes skilland caution. "It is equivalent to holding a red-hot coal an inchabove someone's skin."

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