The word "moxa" comes from Japanese mogusa. Yomogi also serves as a synonym for moxa in Japan. Chinese uses the same character as mogusa , but pronounced differently: ài , also called àiróng(meaning "velvet of ài"). The Chinese character for moxa forms one half of the two making up the Chinese word that often gets translated as "acupuncture" zhenjiu.
Practitioners use moxa to warm regions and acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation through the points and inducing a smoother flow of blood and qi. Research, for example at Mugwort (Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine by Clare Hanrahan) has shown that mugwort acts as an emmenagogue, meaning that it stimulates blood-flow in the pelvic area and uterus . It is claimed that moxibustion militates against cold and dampness in the body and can serve to turn breech babies
Practitioners consider moxibustion to be especially effective in the treatment of chronic problems, "deficient conditions" (weakness), and gerontology . Bian Que ( fl. circa 500 BC), one of the most famous semi-legendary doctors of Chinese antiquity and the first specialist in moxibustion, discussed the benefits of moxa over acupuncture in his classic work. He asserted that moxa could add new energy to the body and could treat both excess and deficient conditions. On the other hand, he advised against the use of acupuncture in an already deficient (weak) patient, on the grounds that needle manipulation would leak too much energy .
A huge classical work, Gao Huang Shu, specialises solely in treatment indications for moxa on a single point.
Note that Taoists use scarring moxibustion along with Chinese medical astrology for longevity.
Practitioners may use acupuncture needles made of various materials in combination with moxa, depending on the direction of qi flow they wish to stimulate.
TopWith Indirect Moxa something is placed between the burning Moxa and the skin. This is less painful and reduces the risk of infection. This is the method preferred by modern practitioners. Some common substances used are slices of Ginger, Garlic, Salt, Aconite, Pepper, and mud. The use of pre-formed cones favoured at Compassionate Dragon is a form of Indirect Moxa.
Moxa Sticks
The Moxa Stick or Roll was developed in the Ming Dynasty as a convenient, less time consuming and easily controlled method of applying Moxa. The Moxa wool is wrapped tightly in paper like a cigar. Sometimes the powder of other herbals is mixed in. The most common recipe is 24 grams of Moxa Wool and 6 grams each of Cinnamon, Cloves, Sichuan Pepper, Realgur, Saussurea, Angelica, Asarum, Atractylodes, Myrrh and Frankincense.
The Moxa Stick is lit at one end and held about 1 inch from the skin, the distance varying with the tolerance of the patient and the degree of stimulation required. Normally the stick is burned for up to 15 minutes or until the skin around the area is bright red. This method is used for pain due to obstruction (Arthritic type pain). The two main methods are spiraling, which is waving the stick in a circular motion over the area or point. The other method is called Sparrow Pecking in which the pecking motion of a bird is simulated.
Contraindications
Moxibustion is contraindicated with Febrile Diseases (where a fever is present), since it is unwise to add heat to an already overheated body, on the back or lower abdomen of pregnant women as heat may injure the fetus. Moxa is not to be burned in the vicinity of sensory organs such as the eyes, mouth or mucous membranes, nose or anus. Direct Moxa should not be used on the face, breast, where large blood vessels are located or on major creases such as the elbows and knees. Care must also be exercises when burning Moxa on areas of numbness or when the patient is unconscious.
Parallel uses of mugwortIn North and South America , indigenous peoples regard mugwort as a sacred plant of divination and spiritual healing, as well as a panacea . Mugwort amongst other herbs were often bound into smudge sticks . Europeans placed sprigs of mugwort under pillows to provoke dreams; and the herb had associations with the practice of magic in Anglo-Saxon times.