What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is an ancient healing practice, stemming from traditional Chinese medicine, similar to acupuncture.

This method of Moxibustion was unknown until the 17th and 18th centuries in the West, and thanks to the Jesuit monks and other travelers, this healing technique began to be discussed.

To understand the procedure it is important to first understand the origin of the word:

The term moxibustion is a distortion of the Japanese word 'mokusa'. Mo means ‘burn’ and kusa means ‘grass or herb’. It also refers to the term cauterize, which basically means applying heat to a surface.

What does Moxibustion consist of?

As the origin of the word explains, Moxibustion consists of burning a herb. In this case, the properties of the sagebrush plant root are used.

It is processed in two different ways, it can be pressed into a cone or ground form, until it turns into powder, to be burned. This is called ‘moxa’.

There are two types of Moxibustion, direct and the indirect. In the direct one, the moxa is used, in the shape of a cone and placed on an acupuncture point, it is burned right there.

The direct type is divided into two forms: scarring and nonscarring. In the scarring one, the moxa is left burning until it turns off on its own, causing burns that will leave a scar. In non-scarring, the moxa turns off and is removed before it directly touches the skin and causes wounds, this kind of Moxibustion generates a strong heat, without hurting.

The second type of Moxibustion is indirect, in this case, the tip of the moxa is lit and held close to the specific point of the body until it turns red.

What is the purpose of Moxibustion?

As in acupuncture, these specific localized points on the body are stimulated so that the body generates physiological responses that allow a healing process to begin.

Acupuncture points, when stimulated by the heat of the burning moxa, allow the qi, or vital force, circulates in a better way through the channels of the body or meridians. Creating a balance of Qi, that improves the well-being and health of the body. Furthermore, Moxibustion is said to also bring balance to body Yang, which strengthens Qi.

This type of practice is used to treat pain (back, head, menstrual cramps, etc.), in addition to conditions such as muscle stiffness, tendonitis, arthritis, digestive disorders, and anxiety.

Wellness.

Recovering the Qi balance directly means recovering strength, energy, dynamism, will, spirituality, etc. Traditional Chinese Medicine practices, such as Moxibustion, Acupuncture, and herbal remedies, such as those we created at Herbal Inn, seek to restore to the body the well-being that has been taken from it due to external factors of daily life. Looking for a physical, mental, and spiritual thriving.