Moxibustion Service

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a healing technique where dried moxa, or mugwort, (Artemesia vulgaris) is burned above the skin at acupuncture points. The heat warms and activates what are known in Chinese Medicine as the Qi and Blood of the body for the treatments of disease or health maintenance. We might think of Qi and Blood as nerve impulses, hormonal balances, and blood; in other words, the things in the body that make us feel, think, sleep, digest, and do many, many other things.

What Are the Benefits of Moxibustion?

Moxa can be used for a wide variety of conditions such as:

Pain: One of moxa's active components, borneol, is used in this and other topical therapies for its antiseptic and analgesic effects, including:

• Arthritis and other painful joint conditions

• Tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or repetitive strain injuries

• Sprains and Strains: Speeds healing of damaged tissue

• Muscle tension or stiffness: moxa relaxes tension and increases circulation

• Decrease swelling and inflammation

General:

• Reduce the appearance of old scars

• Boost immune system

• Chronic autoimmune-related illness

• Open bronchial airways for asthma

• Digestive disorders such as IBS and diarrhea

• Gastric, abdominal, or intestinal pains

• Fatigue

Reproductive: Research has shown that moxa helps the body for a variety of reproductive health issues for men and women.

How is Moxa Applied?

Using only indirect methods, moxa sticks are most often used. These sticks are held one to two inches above the point being stimulated. Some are pure moxa herb and are smokey, while others blend several herbs (including occasionally moxa) may be packed onto a slice of ginger or garlic, in salt or on a piece of aconite. This is set on the skin and the moxa, sitting on the piece of root or salt, is ignited.

Is Moxibustion Painful?

Clients experience a warming sensation and report feeling very comfortable and relaxed during the treatment. When lit, moxa burns slowly and provides a penetrating heat that can enter the channels, or meridians to influence energy, hormones, and blood flow.

Is Moxibustion Safe for Children?

Moxibustion is ideal for treating children or those who are severely needle-phobic. This is an effective and gentle way to stimulate acupuncture points and assist the body in healing itself.

In my personal clinical experience I have seen first-hand how moxibustion creates a more relaxed state of rest for the client. Within the first few minutes of moxibustion, breathing becomes much deeper and slower and both body and mind let go of tension. With relaxation all treatments become more effective. Aside from being a wonderful way to heal the body and work in preventing illness, moxa has been known since ancient times as a treatment that can prolong life!

My Training & Fees

My training comes from Julia Graves and the American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

FEES

The average appointment is 30 minutes long and costs $45.00

For regular Moxibustion clients, a Traditional Healer’s Year of Moxibustion Contract is available. For a minimum of eight appointments, a 15—20% discount is

available, depending on the payment plan chosen by the client.