Therapeutic Escape (Moxibustion) - TCM Week

A more unknown therapy form of Traditional Chinese Medicine is moxibustion. Moxibustion is heat therapy in which dried plants are burned on or very near upon your skin. It can also be done in combination with acupuncture! The purpose is to restart and heat up your energy or qi flow within your body. This can also dispel certain pathogens along the way while the dried plants which are burnt can vary(stereotypically they use the plant mugwort). Usually this method of therapy is used for injuries, arthritis or when practitioners believe your body is experiencing cold nature-wise in TCM beliefs. It can also help with digestive and gynaecological issues while it also protects you against colds and flus. Not only that but asthma, eczema and nausea as well! Though there are conflicting results in studies it can help diseases such as cancer or even help with stroke rehab, high blood pressure, and even baby breeches.

A drawback for many though is moxibustion is the smoky odour or the pure amount of smoke that may come along. Although some smoke may be odourless depending on the plant that is used; this is not a big issue due to the ventilation given by most practioners' rooms. Moxibustion can be applied directly as the "moxa" (dried plant) is placed in a cone and rests on your skin as it turns red and this will last until you feel the heat. It can also be used indirectly as this is the more commonly practiced method as it is safer without direct contact. The moxa is held around an inch away while your skin becomes red and warm. Another potential indirect method can be done by using a layer of salt which insulates between your skin and the cone! Although this method may be a bit more risky; it is worth a try and a truly unique method of therapy!