Moxibustion: Procedures, Safety Measures, and Guidelines for Application
Moxibustion, a centuries-old heat therapy originating from traditional Chinese medicine, is gaining renewed interest for its potential benefits in pain management, inflammation reduction, and various health conditions. This practice involves the burning of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near the skin's surface, similar to acupuncture but without the use of needles.
While moxibustion may be an appealing alternative for those who prefer to avoid needles, it's important to note that the evidence supporting its effectiveness remains inconclusive [1]. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) advises individuals considering Chinese medicine, including moxibustion, to consult their doctor before undergoing these treatments [2].
Moxibustion is believed to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain a person's general health in traditional Chinese medicine. Practitioners can perform moxibustion using direct and indirect methods. In direct moxibustion, a small pile of moxa is placed directly on the skin and lit until the fire burns out. However, this method may cause scarring or blistering of the skin and should be used with caution [3]. Indirect moxibustion methods, such as holding or waving a burning moxa stick, compressing moxa into a pole, attaching moxa to acupuncture needles, or using a barrier between the burning moxa and the skin, are considered safer [4].
Recent studies have shown that moxibustion can lower inflammatory markers, improve blood flow, and enhance immune function, contributing to symptom relief and functional improvement [5][6]. For instance, in chronic heart failure patients, moxibustion has been shown to lower inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), galectin-3, and sST2, which correlates with improved cardiac function, endothelial integrity, and reduced oxidative stress [5].
In terms of digestive health, combining moxibustion with Baduanjin exercise has been found to relieve symptoms such as belching, fatigue, gastric distension, and gastric mucosal inflammation, enhancing quality of life with a low recurrence rate [6].
When it comes to pain management, traditional uses and clinical observations suggest that moxibustion increases blood flow, relaxes muscles, reduces inflammation and pain, and stimulates healing, particularly for conditions associated with poor circulation, cold constitution, and menstrual pain [7][8].
In neurological recovery contexts such as post-stroke rehabilitation, combining moxibustion with acupuncture and rehabilitation training shows greater clinical effectiveness than rehabilitation alone, indicating potential benefits in neurological function and recovery [9].
However, it's essential to note that moxibustion may cause side effects such as bleeding, atypical collection of blood, dizziness, pain, allergies, burns, infection, coughing, nausea and vomiting if not performed correctly [3]. Pregnant people, people who are nursing, and individuals considering using traditional Chinese medicine to treat a baby or child should consult a medical professional before undergoing these treatments [10].
In conclusion, while scientific evidence supports moxibustion’s role in reducing inflammation, relieving pain, improving cardiovascular and gastrointestinal conditions, and assisting recovery in neurological disorders, many studies combine it with other therapies, and more large-scale trials may be needed for conclusive evidence [1]. As with any alternative therapy, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting moxibustion treatments.
References: 1. Evidence-Based Acupuncture 2. NIH: Complementary Health Approaches 3. Moxibustion Safety 4. Indirect Moxibustion Techniques 5. Moxibustion in Chronic Heart Failure 6. Moxibustion and Baduanjin Exercise in Gastric Function 7. Moxibustion for Pain Management 8. Moxibustion for Menstrual Pain 9. Moxibustion in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
- In addition to pain management and inflammation reduction, moxibustion may also have potential benefits for mental health, as it is shown to lower inflammatory markers and improve immune function [5].
- The health-and-wellness industry has been exploring various fitness-and-exercise practices, and moxibustion, combined with Baduanjin exercise, has been found to enhance digestive health [6].
- Though therapies-and-treatments like moxibustion are gaining interest, it is crucial to consider nutrition and maintain a balanced diet as part of one's general health [othergenerichealth].
- When pursuing traditional Chinese medicine practices like moxibustion, it's essential to consult a doctor or healthcare professional, especially for those in pregnancy, nursing, and individuals seeking treatments for babies or children [mental-health, pregnancy].
