If you have visited our clinic, Bumblebee AcuTherapy, you probably smell it before you see it. That’s because Maya and I burn *copious* amounts of moxa with every treatment. I often wonder what my kids’ teachers think I do all day when I pick them up from school…
Moxa is a form of heat therapy that’s been around for thousands of years, even before acupuncture needles were a thing! In Traditional Japanese Medicine (TJM), moxa is used alongside needles in every treatment. Even for pediatric care, we use stick-on moxa (bonus: it comes with free tummy art!). The best part? Moxa can be safely used at any age, and it’s painless—perfect for anyone who’s not a fan of needles.
What is Moxa?
Moxa, or mugwort (Artemisia argyi), is an herb that grows in many parts of the world. Cultures around the world, both eastern and western, have used it for healing for centuries, either topically or internally. In acupuncture, we burn moxa to create a gentle, soothing heat that targets specific areas of the body.
How Does It Work?
Moxa works by stimulating the warm receptors in your nervous system. When these receptors feel the heat, they activate what’s called a “heat-shock protein” (HSP) response. What’s that, you ask? Well, HSPs are like your body’s little helpers—they make sure proteins are shaped correctly so they can do their job. Sometimes, due to stress or illness, proteins get “bent out of shape.” HSPs jump in to either fix or rebuild them. This is crucial for keeping your cells and body functioning properly!
In simpler terms, moxa helps your body heal by increasing blood flow and boosting the immune system. It reduces pain, speeds up recovery, and promotes overall wellness by warming up the body and improving circulation.
Why Use Moxa?
- Warming: Moxa brings heat to specific areas, helping to relax muscles and make tissues more flexible.
- Menstrual Relief: Applied topically or used internally with the help of an herbalist, moxa can help with menstrual issues like irregular cycles, cramps, or heavy bleeding.
- Pain Relief: By increasing blood flow and oxygen, moxa reduces inflammation and helps with pain from injuries, arthritis, and headaches.
- Breech Baby: Perhaps its most famous use—moms-to-be have used moxa for centuries to encourage breech babies to turn.
There are so many more uses for moxa!
But don’t just take my word for it—come in and experience the benefits of moxa for yourself! Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, menstrual issues, or just want to feel more balanced, moxa can be a great addition to your wellness routine. We’d love to help you feel your best!
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3789413/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/moxibustion
moxa on children
direct rice grain moxa
