Moxibustion
- Moxibustion has been used for centuries in Asia -
The term moxas has a Japanese origin "mogusa" which is a variety of mugwort. Mugwort is the plant used to make moxas which often come in the form of cones, sticks or cigars or even in the form of balls.
Its use dates back a long way; in Europe its use was discovered in the 14th century.
Moxas are small cones of mugwort, a plant of the compound family, a fragrant herb whose leaves or flowers are dried. This plant is tonic, stimulating.
In the form of moxa, mugwort is used for its thermal effect, it burns very slowly and produces sufficient heat without burning the skin.
It is also used to extract Yin and Yang, which represent the balance between the physical body and all elements of nature and space.
Mugwort is a plant that is easily found in France as well as in Asia. It often covers slopes and fallow fields. It is preferably harvested on June 21.
It also bears the name of "Herb of St John" which corresponds to this date.
Once harvested, it is dried for 5 years. Then it is crushed to make tow.
There are two main methods of using moxibustion:
1
It refers to burning moxa directly on the skin. It can cause burns and is very rarely used in the West. In China, however, direct moxibustion is still frequently used.
Direct moxibustion has been adapted for Western patients and the legal system is to burn only lightly threads
thicker than a hair, directly on the skin.
It does not cause burns and gives
small bulbs.
Direct moxibustion:
2
It refers to the method of separating the burning moxa from the skin by various means. These means can be a thin slice of garlic, ginger, salt, air or other.
By using air as a means of indirect moxibustion, this means that the burning of the moxa does not directly touch the skin, but rather simply heats it causing it to turn red, of course without burning.
This effect can be achieved, for example, by holding a glowing stick made from a roll of dried, rolled mugwort held firmly and steadily at a certain distance from the skin.
Ai Ye herb in Chinese medicine has the function of penetrating and opening the twelve meridians, so that Qi and blood can flow smoothly and the vital and blood circulation are reactivated and, according to Chinese terminology, harmonized.
In fact, in Chinese medicine, pain is considered to be the result of an unfree flow of Qi and blood.
If, by way of moxibustion, heat is added to the body and the meridians are opened, then the Qi and blood will flow smoothly and all signs of cold will subside.
Indirect moxibustion: