Moxibustion
 
Definition
Moxibustion is a technique with more than 3,000 years, used in traditional Chinese medicine in which a stick of burning mugwort , Artemesia vulgaris, is placed over an inflamed area on the body. The stick is placed on an acupuncture point and burned. The purpose is to stimulate and strengthen the blood and the life energy, or qi, of the body.
Benefits
Moxibustion is used for people who have a cold or stagnant condition. The moxa stick is burned to warm up the blood and qi that are not circulating well.
The moxibustion is used to treat a variety of conditions such as:
- Influenza
- Indigestion
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Bone spurs
- Menstrual cramps
- Turn breech presentation babies
Side effects
Because moxibustion often includes the burning of smoking mugwort sticks, patients who have respiratory problems should avoid the use of smoking moxa sticks. Smokeless moxa sticks are available, and patients who have respiratory difficulties may opt for this method.
Research & general acceptance
Moxibustion has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and as a result, it is widely accepted in Asia. It is gaining popularity in the west, in particular, for its ability to turn breech presentation babies. Several studies in the Journal of the American Medical Association have praised the use of this therapy.
Books
- Cheng, Kinnong. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion. China Books and Periodicals, 2000.
- Cui Yongqiang. Test: Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion. China Publishing and Trading, 1993.
- Fei, X., and M. Jianhua. Acupuncture and Moxibustion. IOS Press, 2000.
- Cheng, Dan-An et al. Acupuncture and Moxibustion Formulas and Treatments. China Books and Periodicals, Blue Poppy Press, 1996.
Organizations
- American Association of Oriental Medicine. 433 Front Street, Catasauqua, PA 18035. (888) 500-7999. aaom1@aol.com. http://www.aaom.org.
Other
- Cardini, Francesco, and Huang Weixing. "Moxibustion for Correction of Breech Presentation: A Randomized Controlled Trial." Journal of the American Medical Association (Nov 11, 1998).
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