MOXIBUSTION

Moxibustion (Moxa + combustion) is a heat application treatment on the acupuncture points with the use of a herb called "Moxa".
In moxibustion, usually a grain-size cone of moxa or dry yellow spongy substance made from a herbal plant "mugwort " is placed on the acupoints and lit with an incense stick. The burning moxa is then pinched out or taken away by the therapist before it burns down completely to the skin. The patient experiences a very comfortable sensation of heat that penetrates deep into the skin (Direct moxibustion). Another popular way of using moxa is to burn a moxa cone on the head of inserted acupuncture needles, or use a cigar-type stick moxa to warm the acupuncture points at a distance (Indirect moxibustion). Because of the difference of quality and processing of moxa between Japan and China, Japanese acupuncturists in general prefer direct moxibustion while Chinese therapists do indirect moxibustion, especially stick moxa. It requires a great deal of training for a therapist to master the direct moxibustion techniques, but it is much more effective than indirect moxibustion.


THE BENEFITS OF DIRECT MOXIBUSTION

Moxibustion in general has more or less the same efficacy as acupuncture. However, medical experiments have shown that moxibustion exerts much wider and stronger effect on overall biochemical changes in the body than acupuncture. For example:

(1) It increases the production of white blood cells. The white blood cell count begins to increase immediately after direct moxibustion, and reaches a peak 8 hours later. This peak is maintained for 24 hours. The number remains elevated for four or five days after treatment. The white blood cell count almost doubles with moxibustion, but when applied continuously for six weeks, the increase is sustained for up to even three months after moxibustion is discontinued.

(2) It increases the produciton of red blood cells and haemoglobin. For subjects who had an average haemoglobin ratio of 78% just before direct moxibustion, the ratio increased steadily to reach a peak of 90% in eight weeks. Applying direct moxibustion continuously for 15 weeks, it takes 22 weeks for the red blood cell count to return to what it used to be before moxibustion. It also shows a substantial increase in the following blood components: the sedimentation rate of red blood cells, platelet count, the speed of blood coagulation, blood calcium, blood glucose count and the capacity to produce antibodies.

(3) It improves the overall blood and lymph circulations. Due to rather intense heat of burning moxa on acupoints, impulses from nerve endings of the skin cause the dilation of capillaries
( the smallest vessels) to increase the blood and lymph circulations in the entire body. In fact it is well known that the patient feels very warm, relaxed and sleepy from this effect after moxibustion treatment. People who suffer from constant circulation or "cold feeling" in the hands and feet can greatly benefit from moxibustion.

(4) It is more effective for internal chronic ailments than acupuncture. Because of stronger effects on the overall biochemical changes, especially in blood components and immune system, moxibustion is much more effective for various chronic diseases of internal organs. From my clinical experiences of over 25 years, I can say that acupuncture can be a better choice for the treatment of rather acute cases or when the ailment is still in early stage.

(5) It is a safer treatment than acupuncture and can be used as a home therapy.
Both acupuncture and moxibustion must be practiced by licensed medical professionals. However, since moxibustion is a much safer method than acupuncture, it has been widely used as a very handy and effective folk remedy for centuries in Asia. Especially in Japan, various new types of moxa for home treatment are available on the market now. You can use moxa not only for the treatment of specific ailments but also for continuously maintaining good health.

Dr.Kokubo usually uses a combination of acupuncture and Japanese style moxibustion for almost every patient because it works much better and faster than using each method singularly.

* Stick-on moxa for home treatment is available at our clinic now. Contact : acupro@acupropress.com