Moxibustion, what is it?

When rapidly advancing technology reveals knowledge that helps explain the techniques and mechanisms of the medicine I practice, I get excited. For instance, as we understand more about sensory neurons, we have new insight into possible theories about the science of  Acupuncture and Moxibustion. In particular, there has been misunderstanding around Moxibustion because the technique does not penetrate, but warms the surface of the skin.

The answer may lie with polymodal nociceptors, a type of sensory receptor that receives not just one but a variety of stimuli, including mechanical, thermal, and chemical. Part of our primitive reflex system, the majority of these types of cells are on the surface of the skin. It’s possible that Moxibustion stimulates the cross-talk between these cells and  the immune system. It’s been demonstrated that when polymodal nociceptors are stimulated, they improve the effectiveness of the immune response, as well as,help the circulation of our bodies' own pain and anti-inflammatory fighting substances. 

What is Moxibustion? Moxibustion comes from a plant used by humans since 100 BC called Artemisia vulgaris. It has a sage-like smell and the therapeutic substance it contains is called Borneol. The  plant commonly called Mugwort, gets its name from the Greek moon goddess Artemis, a patron of women. It’s excellent  for pain, fatigue, various digestive symptoms, for regulating periods and bleeding, cramping, and pelvic pain. There is even evidence showing moxibustion reduces the need for oxytocin during labor.

At TOTEM Acupuncture, I use what’s called Indirect Moxibustion. This is a method that safely heats up the surface of the skin, never making direct contact. I using a high quality, mild smelling, Japanese product which most people find pleasant. Some report having colorful  dreams after this treatment, which is a unrelated  effect. Interestingly, in ancient, times shamans would use moxibustion to cleanse the energy of a person or a space,  helping them to heal and move on from difficult circumstances.