TL;DR — Quick summary
Moxibustion uses heat from prepared mugwort and is part of the clinic’s Japanese acupuncture approach. This practitioner introduction explains moxa and its traditional uses. Suitability varies; heat and smoke need careful management, and pregnancy or medical concerns should be discussed with your healthcare team.
Table of contents
Moxibustion, also called moxa, is a traditional Japanese heat therapy used alongside acupuncture. 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!). Moxa requires individualized screening and careful heat control. It is not suitable for everyone, and burns, smoke irritation or discomfort can occur.
What is moxibustion?
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 is moxibustion understood?
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 do people ask about moxibustion?
- 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
Ask about moxibustion in Lakewood
Bumblebee AcuTherapy welcomes patients at 2201 Kipling Street, Suite 205, Lakewood, CO 80215. Learn about moxibustion appointments and technique questions and use our visit guide to plan your journey from Lakewood or nearby Wheat Ridge, Edgewater, Golden and west Denver.
For appointment questions, call Maya at 720-893-0385 or Dierdre at 720-727-7490. You can also check online appointment availability. We have one Lakewood office; references to nearby communities describe our service area, not additional locations.