Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a method whereby moxa punk (or other herbs) is burned on or above the skin at acupuncture points. The heat warms the Qi and Blood in the channels and is therefore useful in the treatment of disease and maintenance of health. Sometimes moxibustion is more effective than acupuncture, whereas at other times the two have a synergistic effect.

The origin and development of moxibustion was outlined in the first part of this Section. Here we will describe the characteristics of dried moxa (Artemisia vulgaris) and the most common methods of moxibustion in current use.

Characteristics

In A New Edition of the Pharmacopoeia appears the following description: "The moxa leaf is bitter and acrid, producing warmth when used in small amounts and strong heat when used in large amounts. Its nature is pure Yang and can thus restore weakened Yang. It opens the twelve Primary channels, courses through the three Yin, regulates the Qi and Blood, expels Cold and Dampness, warms the Uterus . . . When burned, it penetrates all the channels eliminating the hundred Diseases." Hence, moxibustion is used for chronic weakened conditions (exhausted Yang) where the channels have been obstructed by Cold or Dampness, or more generally for stimulation of the circulating Qi and Blood. In Spiritual Axis it is written: "When acupuncture is useless, moxibustion is appropriate." This refers to the use of moxibustion in the treatment of Cold patterns (Yin disorders) for which acupuncture alone is relatively ineffectual. Asthma, diarrhea, arthritis, rheumatic pain, vomiting or abdominal pain, and certain gynecological disorders are among the most common diseases for which moxibustion is indicated.

The use of the moxa plant, dried and ground into a powder or moxa 'wool', is considered especially beneficial for this purpose. Moxa is easy to shape into cones or bind together in 'sticks'; it burns well, and has a pleasant odor. Its combustion produces a penetration heat. The plant flourishes in varied climates and is therefore relatively cheap. For these reasons it has been the most popular material used for cauterization during the last 2,000 years.

The fresh leaves of the plant are picked in the spring and set out in the sun to dry. They are then ground into a fine powder, sifted and filtered to remove sand or coarse stems, then set out in the sun again. This process is repeated until the desired consistency is obtained, usually a fine, soft white powder. Moxa used for direct cauterization must be extremely fine so that it may be kneaded and shaped into cones that won't fall apart, while moxa used for indirect cauterization need not be quite as fine.

Chinese doctors say that the older the moxa the better it is. It is important that it be kept in a dry container and periodically dried in the sun.