Moxibustion in Gunnison & Crested Butte

Moxibustion

Chinese herbal medicine uses the fundamentals of TCM to categorize natural substances that are used for medicinal purposes. Plants, animal parts, insects, and minerals are all present in the Chinese herbal materia medica. Collectively, they are referred to as herbs. If you would like to take Chinese herbs, but have concerns about them containing animal or incest parts, there is usually an alternative. Please don't hesitate to express your concern. 

Moxibustion, commonly called moxa, is a warming modality that is used on the meridians and acupoints using the same theory as acupuncture. This method does not pierce the skin, but is used on or above the skin. Moxa is mugwort that is processed into several forms. Mugwort is a Chinese herb that offers a deep-penetrating heat, much like infra-red heat. 

1. A moxa pole is mugwort wool rolled into a stick and wrapped with paper. The stick is then warmed up until the end is glowing like the end of an incense stick. The warm end is then held over the acupoints to provide therapy. 

2. Loose moxa is mugwart wool that is manipulated by the practitioner into various shapes, usually cones or balls. The cones are placed directly on the acupoints and allowed to smolder just long enough for the patient to feel a comfortable warming sensation. Moxa balls are placed on the end of acupuncture needles to warm the needle during the treatment. 

The most common form of moxa used in my practice is pole moxa. It has a remarkable effect in promoting healing and increasing the flow of blood and body fluids, and decreasing pain.