|
Moxibustion
The process of burning a herb called mugwort is known as moxibustion. This
tecnhnique has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of
years. Some historians believe that moxibustion may even pre-date
acupuncture. The dried herb comes in many different forms including
loose, rolled, needle ready, and smokeless.
The energetic property of moxa is warming, moving and tonifying. It can
be applied indirectly by burning a roll above an acupuncture point, direct
onto a patient, or via the end of a needle.
Moxibustion also increases blood and energy circulation, and relieves pain
in gynaecological and muscular skeletal conditions. It is also warming
for patients who suffer from cold, or a deficiency of the warming Yang
energy. Patients usually love moxibustion - the sensation is warm,
comforting, and soothing. One patient recently reported her feet becoming
warm for the first time in memory when moxa was applied to a lower back
problem.
In the west, the most famous modern application of this therapy is that of
turning a breech baby. Many midwives will recommend moxibustion for
babies that are still breech when they should be head down. Amanda has
personally found this technique very effective in turning breech babies
when used between weeks 34 and 38 of pregnancy.
On a more spiritual level, the herb mugwort has historically been placed
under the pillow to promote dreaming by pagans, and is believed to be a
sacred plant of spiritual healing in North and South America. |
|
|
|
