Moxa

Together with, or in alternative to acupuncture, Chinese doctors use "moxa therapy". The term comes from the Japanese "moe kusa" or burning herb. It is precisely a herb, known in the Western world as artemisia, Saint John’s herb, or "scacciadiavoli", picked during the summer solstice (21^st of June) when the herb has collected in itself the most solar heat.

How to prepare it

The artemisia is allowed to dry, and the leafs are powdered in a mortar until a woolly substance is obtained. The leaf is then shaped into a sphere, cone, or wrapped in mulberry leave to form a 20 cm. cigar.

Moxibustion techniques

The spheres and cones can be placed on the skin, in the acupuncture energy centers, then lit starting from the portion farthest from the skin. They should be allowed to burn until they extinguish.

At times a substance is placed between the moxa and the skin (garlic, ginger, salt) according to the desired results. This has its disadvantages, it provokes a dense smoke and at times can cause a small but painful burn. In cases of a serious energy deficit this technique offers the best results.

The last, and more common technique requires the use of moxa sticks, which are placed at 2-3 cm. away from the energy centers. The great advantage of this technique is that it can easily be taught to a patient, once the centers to be acted upon and the timing of the therapy is reviled.

How to use moxa sticks

Moxa sticks are usually supplied by the acupuncture doctor, but can also be acquired in a pharmacy or in a store selling Chinese products.

The stick is lit at one end until a burning ember is obtained. It is then brought close to the skin on the energy center which is to be acted upon. The stick is held at 2-3 cm. from the skin, until a likable warm feeling is felt. Once the burning sensation starts to get painful, the stick is quickly pulled away from the skin. This operation is repeated until the area becomes slightly red. It usually takes from three to five minutes to complete the procedure. Once the operation is done extinguish the moxa stick with some water or by cutting off the burned edge.

Directions for moxa

An antique Chinese document states "the ai ye (moxa) leaf used in small quantities produces heat, in large quantities produces great heat. For it has a pure yang nature, it is able to generate primary yang. It can open the twelve primary meridians, stabilize energy, expel the cold and humidity, warm the uterus, stop bleeding, warm the spleen and stomach to remove stagnation, regularize ministration and facilitate birth. When used it penetrates all meridians and eliminates the center of all diseases.

The more an illness is cold (yin), this chronic, with slow development, shivers, paleness, fatigue, cold joints, the more the moxa is effective. On the other hand, the more an illness is warm (yang) with sharp localized pains, red face, and agitation, the less the moxa is advisable and should be substituted by acupuncture.

Restrictions

Fever is above 38°C or °F

Arterial hypertension

Children under seven years of age

People with delicate skin, as diabetics for example

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