Moxibustion

For those interested in harnessing the power of Chinese medicine, moxibustion is a great place to begin. This traditional healing practice is one of many options offered by Dr. Shangyou Zhong, of Sunyo Acupuncture Center in San Juan Capistrano and Santa Monica, California. If you’d like to learn more about moxibustion, call the office or request an appointment online today. 

How does moxibustion work?

Moxibustion is a treatment used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is often used in conjunction with acupuncture. Both therapies are based on the belief that the human body has specific meridians that act as passageways for one’s qi, or life energy. 

When qi flows freely through the body, all is well, but if your qi becomes blocked, physiological problems can arise. Acupuncture treatments can help your qi flow properly, and moxibustion can also aid by burning mugwort, a spongy herb, and placing it near the surface of your skin. 

There are various ways to perform moxibustion. Your practitioner might light small cones of the herb and place them on the surface of your skin. It’s also possible to put a small amount of mugwort onto the ends of acupuncture treatment needles before lighting them. There are also special sticks that can be used in moxibustion therapy. 

What are some of the conditions moxibustion can treat?

When used in combination with acupuncture, moxibustion is believed to generate heat that warms the body and enhances the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment. Some of the conditions that respond well to moxibustion include:

• Ulcerative colitis
• Hot flashes
• Ulcers
• Tendonitis
• Back pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Fatigue
• Muscle stiffness
• Arthritis

After sitting down with you to discuss your specific health and wellness concerns, Dr. Zhong can help you decide if moxibustion is a good fit for you. 

Is moxibustion a safe treatment option?

In the hands of a skilled practitioner, moxibustion is completely safe. The techniques used to ignite, place, and monitor the burning mugwort are centered on your safety. At no time are you left unattended during the process. 

Your practitioner pays close attention to the mugwort and can adjust the location of the herb throughout the process as needed. While moxibustion does create gentle heat that aids in the treatment process, your skin is never overheated or damaged. 

If you’re ready to learn more about how moxibustion might align with your treatment goals, the best way to move forward is by booking a visit at Sunyo Acupuncture Center. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.