MOXIBUSTION: THE POWER OF HEAT THERAPY
By: Ramie Holmquist
One of the clearest memories I have of receiving my first acupuncture session was the fragrant and smoky herb my practitioner burned around different points on my body. Its scent was distinct and heady. A gentle warmth radiated out from the slow burn and put me into an even deeper state of relaxation. Fast forward years later to when I began studying Chinese medicine, I wanted to know more about what this was and why my body seemed to have such a strong response to it.
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy using the perennial herb mugwort, also called moxa. It has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to help facilitate healing of specific disorders, as well as a preventative measure to strengthen and bolster the body. In fact, the Chinese character for acupuncture, when translated literally, means “acupuncture-moxibustion.” This translation indicates what a central and important tool this heat therapy has been in the development and use of acupuncture throughout Asia. Ancient texts indicate that while acupuncture was likely developed on the eastern coast of China, moxibustion was developed in the colder and windier northern regions. Since Chinese medical theory recognizes how the environment and external factors can influence and penetrate the body, it is possible that the pressures of the climate brought about the use of stimulating acupuncture points with heat instead of just needles.
To use mugwort medicinally, the leaves of the plant are dried, ground down and aged to create a light and spongy wool. The moxa can be placed either directly on the skin or indirectly by burning it a few inches away from the body or placing it on top of an acupuncture needle. Whether the technique is used directly or indirectly is dictated by the benefit you are looking to achieve.
According to eastern medical theory, moxa can be used for a variety of issues. One approach is aimed at strengthening someone who is experiencing certain forms of deficiencies and weaknesses in the body. This can present in a number of ways, including but not limited to a weakened immune system, a sluggish or sensitive digestive system, fatigue and a propensity to run colder than those around you. It can also be used to address pain by regulating and invigorating the movement of qi and blood in the body and bringing warmth to areas affected by the cold. In Chinese medicine, where there is obstruction in the body, there is pain. Along with needles, moxa is a tool to help move and open up obstructions to permit more free flow of blood, particularly if cold is an aggravating factor to the pain.
A patient asked me last week if the benefits of burning moxa on acupuncture points was just about creating heat, and if so, why was this plant used specifically instead of any kind of heat source. While this herb has held a special place in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, I looked into modern research to see if I could answer that question more clearly. While there is still much unknown about this incredible plant, research has shown its effects might be three-fold by having pharmacological actions, radiation effects and thermal effects. They have found a complex network of numerous active ingredients in this plant that increases by being burned rather than being destroyed. The heating or thermal effects were found to activate different receptors on the skin which caused local tissues to produce particular proteins and increase blood flow to the tissues. While these mechanisms are not yet fully understood, the idea that using this plant specifically verses other heat sources appears to be validated by ongoing research.
Whether moxa is appropriate for a patient has to do with their constitution and general state of health, as well as the symptoms they are experiencing. Even though it is not as commonly used in practice as the more widely known use of acupuncture needles, for certain cases it can make all the difference. As the weather here turns colder moving us towards winter, I anticipate using more of this special plant in the months to come.
For further information or to schedule an appointment please contact Ramie Holmquist, L.Ac of Saint Sophia Acupuncture at Alison Palmer Physical Therapy and Wellness Center (#307-752-1799). We are located in the Cimarron Lodge at the bottom of lift 7. Wellness is the full integration of mind, body and spirit. We look forward to helping you towards a healthier life.