Moxibustion (Moxa) and Acupuncture
A lot of patients love the warmth that moxibustion can bring during an acupuncture treatment. It often is used in combination with acupuncture to bring heat into the body which is often incredibly relaxing.
What is Moxibustion?
Think of it like a warm hug.
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves burning a dried herb called moxa, or mugwort, near or on specific points on the body. The heat generated by the burning moxa is believed to stimulate the flow of energy, or "qi", in the body and promote healing.
Moxibustion is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, as the two therapies are thought to work synergistically to promote balance and harmony in the body. However, moxibustion can also be used on its own, particularly in cases where acupuncture may not be suitable.
Moxibustion is commonly used to treat a wide range of conditions, including pain, digestive disorders, respiratory problems, and gynecological issues. It may also be used to support the immune system and improve overall health and well-being.
There are several different types of moxibustion techniques, including direct and indirect methods. In direct moxibustion, a small amount of moxa is placed directly on the skin and burned until it is extinguished. In indirect moxibustion, a moxa stick or cone is lit and held near the skin, but does not actually touch it.
Moxibustion and Breech Babies
From a clinical perspective, one of the most common Western conditions which moxa can treat is breech babies. This is when a baby is positioned in the womb with its bum, or feet, pointing downward, instead of the typical head-down position. This can be relatively common in early pregnancy but by the time labour comes most babies have corrected themselves. However some still remain in a breech position which may lead to some complications during the delivery.
Often the medical interventions include external cephalic version (ECV) or a Caesarean which can have a more dramatic effect on the woman and the baby. That’s where acupuncture and moxibustion can offer a non-invasive approach. We can use moxa on specific points to encourage the correct movement and to help the baby turn.
In a Chinese Medicine perspective, the positioning of the baby can be seen as a reflection of the mother’s own internal balance which is why acupuncture and moxibustion can work together. Alongside a root treatment, helping to treat the mother, moxibustion can be used to help through:
Stimulating the Bladder channel: The most common point for turning a breech baby is Bladder 67 or Reaching Yin (至陰 Zhi Yin), which is located at the outer corner of the little toe. This point influences the uterus and pelvic region and hence the point can be seen to work through promoting energy flow to the uterus.
Warming and Relaxing the Uterus: The warming effect of moxibustion is thought to relax the uterine muscles, promoting increased blood flow to the pelvic area. This enhanced circulation may create a more favourable environment, which can support the baby in turning naturally.
Encouraging Movement: Stimulating points such as Bladder 67 through acupuncture or moxibustion may help induce gentle contractions or movements within the uterus, encouraging the baby to reposition. This technique is believed to promote fetal movement without placing unnecessary stress on the mother or baby.
It’s best to start a course of treatment for breech baby at around 32 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, there is still enough room for the uterus to turn and hence the success of acupuncture and moxibustion are higher. It’s definitely possible to have success after 36 weeks, but earlier is preferable, not that we get the choice!
The treatment consists of using a ‘moxa stick’, close to certain points, which provides heat but without directly touching the skin. During, and after the treatment, I’ll also show you how to perform the treatment on your own. It’s ideal to use moxa near Bladder 67 for around 10-15 minutes, twice a day, for around 10 days.
Success Rates and Benefits of Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Breech Babies
Research and clinical experience suggest that acupuncture and moxibustion can be effective in turning breech babies. Success rates vary depending on the timing and other individual factors, but studies indicate that these techniques may increase the likelihood of a baby turning to a head-down position.
A 2013 study published in The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine found that women who received acupuncture and moxibustion at 32-34 weeks of pregnancy had a significantly higher rate of cephalic version (baby turning head down) compared to women who did not receive these treatments.
Another 2012 systematic review published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews concluded that moxibustion applied to the Bladder 67 point increased the likelihood of a breech baby turning to a head-down position before birth.
It is generally considered a safe, non-invasive method of helping breech babies which is often recommended by midwives. Please consult with your midwife, or another healthcare provider, before starting any course of therapy.
When Else Might I Use Moxibustion?
“If Needling does not reach it, Moxibustion is then Appropriate.”
— Ling Shu 73
“When the pulses are sinking and depressedm use moxibustion.”
— Ling Shu 48
“When Yin and Yang are both hollow, fire is appropriate.”
— Ling Shu 73
“When blood circulation is balanced, the body is in harmony and heals itself.”
— Mizutani
Moxibustion may be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, digestive disorders, respiratory problems, gynecological issues, and immune system deficiencies. It may also be used to support overall health and well-being.
Specifically, moxibustion may be used for:
Pain relief: Moxibustion is commonly used to treat chronic pain, such as arthritis, back pain, and menstrual cramps.
Digestive disorders: Moxibustion may be used to treat conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and diarrhea.
Respiratory problems: Moxibustion may be used to treat conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and allergies.
Gynecological issues: Moxibustion may be used to treat conditions such as menstrual cramps, infertility, and menopausal symptoms.
Immune system deficiencies: Moxibustion may be used to support the immune system and help prevent illness.
Moxibustion may also be used for general health and wellness purposes, such as to reduce stress, improve sleep, and promote overall relaxation.
What are Some of the Ways That I Could Use Moxibustion?
Direct Moxa
In direct moxibustion, small cones of moxa are placed directly on the skin at specific acupuncture points. The moxa is lit and allowed to burn down to the skin, where it is extinguished before it burns the skin. This technique is used to warm the acupuncture point and stimulate the flow of qi.
This is often known as Rice Grain Moxa and it is incredibly relaxing and beneficial to helping the body heal itself.
Moxa Sticks
In indirect moxibustion, the moxa is formed into a cigar-shaped stick or placed on top of an acupuncture needle, and then lit. The moxa is held a few centimeters above the skin, allowing the heat to penetrate the acupuncture point without burning the skin.
This technique is used to warm the acupuncture point and promote the flow of qi.
Moxa Balls
In this style, an acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin, and then a small amount of moxa is placed on top of the needle. The moxa is then lit, and the heat is allowed to penetrate the acupuncture point. This technique is used to enhance the effects of acupuncture and promote the flow of qi.
Most patients ask to have some moxa like this in every treatment. Definitely a fan favourite.
“Of all the therapies in traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is the one that has received the least attention in the West. This is unfortunate, as it is a powerful therapy, and is used extensively in Asia for a wide range of conditions.”
~ Giovanni Maciocia