Moxibustion

Synonyms

Moxa therapy; Abbreviation for moxibustion= Moxen Japanese mogusa (Name for mugwort)
lat. combustio (Burning) results Moxibustion

introduction

As the acupuncture Moxibustion is a method from Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the Moxibustion will the Acupuncture points but not with Acupuncture needles but irritated with intense heat.

definition

The Moxibustion refers to the heating of certain acupuncture points through the Burning off moxa. These are the dried leaves of the Mugwort herb (Artemisia vulgaris).
After the “harvest”, the leaves are dried, cleaned and processed into a powdery, cotton wool-like fabric. Mugwort has been a long-term source not only in the Eastern world Medicinal as well as aromatic plant represent.

History of moxibustion

The Moxibustion is probably older than that acupuncture. Already in the Stone Age, a pain-relieving effect was achieved by applying heated herbs to pain points. In Europe, moxibustion became known around the second half of the 17th century.
This treatment method is also based on the idea of ​​the TCM (traditional chinese medicine), that all energy (Qi) of the body in Energy pathways, the so-called Meridians, flows. It comes through external or internal factors how cold, effort, stress etc. to an imbalance or disharmony, the body becomes sick. Moxibustion is supposed to restore the balance through the targeted heat treatment of certain points on these meridians and ensure that the energy flows again.
The Declaration in the western world presents itself differently. It is assumed that the local heat stimulates the cutaneous nerves and so the Pituitary gland and the Adrenal glands are stimulated to produce hormones. The penetrating heat stimulates the local blood flow in the tissue, stimulates the metabolism and organ functions and that immune system strengthened.

Indications

The Moxibustion is used for local or general complaints related to a Feeling cold go hand in hand. The principle "Warmth against cold" has proven itself here. In the TCM system, it means Weakness and emptiness how Reduced blood flow, susceptibility to colds, lack of energy and chronic diseases. The main areas of application for moxa therapy are:

• chronic diseases
• Pain (Head, shoulder, Spine), dull Injuries, nerve pain, phantom pain
• exhaustion (Burnout syndrome)
• Respiratory diseases, bronchitis, Colds, asthma
• Bladder, kidney disease
• Gastrointestinal diseases, how Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis
• psychosomatic complaints, such as depression, sleep disorders
• Inflammation of the ovaries and uterus
• Ear and sinus diseases

Contraindications

Moxibustion is not to be used in the area of ​​the Of the face, of the head, near the mucous membranes, if you have a fever, acute inflammation or during menstruation (Menstrual period).

Unwanted Side effects can Skin burns with permanent scars be. The smoke is also perceived as unpleasant by some patients and is reminiscent of passive smoking in a pub.
in the ancient china and some of them are still today Burns and Burn blisters definitely wanted. Here was and still will be direct moxibustion applied. This is a Moxa herb cone directly to the skin on the Acupuncture point laid and ignited.

Nowadays and in the western world this is used Principle of indirect moxibustion on. It is used as protection for the skin Ginger slice (optionally also garlic or salt) placed between the skin and the cone. If the patient feels that the point is heated, the disc with the moxa cone is pushed to the next acupuncture point. This must be done very carefully as there is a risk that the cone will tumble off the ginger slice. If you have dealt with all points you start again with the first point. So is every single one Point stimulated 6 to 8 timesuntil the skin becomes slightly red.
In addition to the moxa cone, there are those Moxa cigar. It consists of thin sticks of rolled moxa herb and is inflamed at the tip. The system is the same. The cigar is held approx. 0.5 cm above the acupuncture point without skin contact and waited until the patient feels it is hot. Then it is removed a few centimeters upwards and brought in again shortly afterwards. This process is repeated 6-8 times until the skin is reddened.
With so-called Moxa needles Acupuncture can be strengthened by burning. Special steel needles with devices for attaching moxa concentrate the heat into the therapy points.
Last but not least, there are those Moxa patch. They contain on their adhesive side Medicinal herbsthat generate heat.

General is the Moxibustion also for self-treatment suitable. However, the patient must receive precise information and guidance from the doctor. The points can be applied with a waterproof felt-tip pen and, if necessary, the patient can trace them after washing. The Selection of points takes place depending on Symptoms, Illness, and Location of Energy Imbalance. This method is particularly suitable for patients with fear of needles.