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TO GET YOU BACK TO BEING YOU

Sometimes It's just nicer to have a little more information than we get from social media posts.

A little dive into topics we find useful for patients.

Sarah Fisk

Jan 15th 2025

The Magic of Moxibustion.

The History

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the burning of dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on specific points of the body. It has been used alongside acupuncture & as a standalone therapy for over 2,500 years. An old Chinese saying was ‘Moxa is the master, the needle is the pupil’. In reference to timelines, it is believed that moxa pre-dates any historical findings of acupuncture was commonly used is medical practices, since about 500BCE.

Helping the body heal itself

The Mugwort leaf can produce moxa 'wool' after drying and grinding, which is then made into small sticks or cones called moxa (similar to incense), which are then lit and used to warm points on the body.

Because of it's amazing ability to promote the flow of Qi and Blood we can use moxa to boost immunity, tiredness and fatigue, support cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and its side affects, fertility issues, impotence, libido, aches, pains and much more

How It Works

By stimulating and nourishing the flow of Qi (energy) and Blood “Moxibustion can travel through the 12 meridians, which carry energy throughout the body,” Dr. Nguyen says. “It is able to regulate Qi and Blood, dispel Cold, warm Yang and prevent diseases to maintain overall well-being.”

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the concepts of Yin and Yang balance each other, but imbalances can lead to illness. “When Yang becomes deficient, then there may be an increase in Cold,” Dr. Nguyen* explains.

Cold in the channels is seen as pathogenic and can lead to the stagnation of Blood & Qi, which in turn can lead to issues such as muscular & joint discomfort, fertility problems, immune weakness and much more.

The same can be said of Yin deficiency, where we see Heat as the pathogen causing issues such as inflammation, digestive problems, high blood pressure, headaches etc

* Thuy Kim Nguyen, DAOM, LAc.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/moxibustion

Experimental results showed that moxibustion thermal stimulation affects both shallow and deep tissues of the skin, and the warm-heat effects of moxibustion have a close relation to the warm receptors or/and the polymodal receptor.

The burning moxa radiation spectrum ranges from 0.8 to 5.6 μm; peak is nearby 1.5 μm, lying within the near infrared (NIR) portion. There is an amazing consistency in the infrared spectrums of three types of indirect moxibustion and the unified spectrum of acupoints; all have their peaks of radiation near 10 μm.

Lots of ingredients had been identified from mugwort leaves and moxa smoke, which have a variety of biological activities; they were considered to participate in the comprehensive effects of moxibustion.

The NIR can induce some active substances produced within the tissues, after being absorbed by connective tissue, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves under the irradiated skin. This then distributes to other parts of the body with the blood circulation, and enhance the metabolism and thermogenesis of organs they reached.

NIR can also energise the metabolism of cells. The energy generated by the photoelectric effect and photochemical process passes through the nerve-humoral system providing the activation for the pathological cells lacking energy and then further adjusting the body's immune and neurological functions.

The Mechanism of Moxibustion: Ancient Theory and Modern Research

NCBI 2013: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3789413/#abstract1

The Research

A 2020 review published in the Journal of Chinese Medicine, by Alice Douglas, summarised further research, concluding that the evidence showed moxa:

· Increases blood flow & metabolism & increases elasticity in connective tissue.
· Stimulates deeper levels into the body, increasing cellular activity, due to the prominence of near infrared radiation.
· Reduces inflammation & appropriate cell apoptosis (cell death).
· Acts as an antioxidant, antiviral & has antifungal properties.

So it’s great for:

Alleviating pain: Musculoskeletal issues & arthritis.
Improving circulation: Cardiovascular & arterial health, tiredness & fatigue.
Boosting immunity: Strengthening the body's defences against colds & viruses.
Gynaecological issues: Supporting fertility treatments right through to breech presentation during pregnancy. Soothes menstrual pain & balances menopause symptoms.

The Final Word

Dr. Nguyen explains. If you can find a moxibustion practitioner, it’s a worthy addition to your wellness treatment.

“Performing moxibustion with acupuncture can increase its effectiveness,” she says. “And if you’re not able to do acupuncture, moxibustion should be your next choice, given its ability to penetrate the 12 meridians.”

I totally agree, I love the addition of Moxa to my treatment and my patients love the warming relief and nourishment it brings..

"I find moxa as part of my treatment really beneficial" V. Parkinson

To learn more call or email for a free 20 min consultation.
sarah@rowanacupuncture.co.uk 07931524566

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Tui Na Massage

Tui Na massage is a form of therapeutic massage rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

"Tui Na" loosely translates to "push and hold" or "press and knead" in Mandarin, reflecting the core techniques used in this practice.

This type of massage is designed to restore balance to the body's energy (Qi), improve circulation, and relieve muscle tension.

Tui Na massage is not just physical—it’s believed to address emotional and energetic imbalances. You might feel a sense of mental clarity or calmness after your session.

Key features of Tui Na massage:

Acupressure: Stimulating specific points on the body (acupoints) that align with energy meridians, promoting the flow of Qi.
Stretching and kneading: These techniques release tension in the muscles.
Focus on health: Not only is the massage used for relaxation but also to address health issues like chronic pain, trauma, stress, or fatigue.

What to Expect

During: A mix of relaxation and a “good pain” as tight areas are worked on. Often described as a warming, tingling sensation in the areas being treated, linked to the release of Qi blockages.

After: Many patients report feeling lighter, more relaxed, and energised. Some mild soreness might occur, especially if areas of tension were deeply worked on.