Moxibustion is an external treatment that has evolved from traditional Chinese medicine. Practitioners usually use moxibustion to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain overall health. In addition, it claims to be beneficial for treating painful diseases. However, there is currently insufficient scientific research to support the claims.
Moxibustion is generally safe but can cause side effects such as burns, allergic reactions, or infections. Any person considering moxibustion therapy should consult a doctor before undergoing the treatment. You can check out a wide range of moxa rolls for sale at buyacupuncture.com.
Types of Moxibustion
Practitioners may use direct or indirect methods to administer a moxibustion treatment. However, there are benefits and drawbacks to both treatments.
- Direct Moxibustion: The practitioner places a small pile of moxa directly on top of a person's skin and lights it until the fire burns out. Moxa rolls can also be put on the acupuncture needle and ignited. It burns on the needle until it's extinguished. Then, the heat travels through the needle to the acupuncture points.
- Indirect moxibustion: is the most common and safer option. In indirect moxibustion, burning moxa doesn't touch your skin. Instead, the practitioner will hold it about an inch from your body.
Patients can expect to feel a sudden warming sensation radiating in a specific direction, depending on the purpose and location of the area that needs treatment. This sudden heating sensation is said to be the arrival of the qi, signaling its ability to flow freely through the correct channels in the body. As per experts, the moxibustion procedure should last at least three to five minutes but shouldn't exceed fifteen minutes.