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Moxibustion

Moxibustion is the application of heat to acupuncture points and is one of the oldest and most effective forms of oriental therapy. It is a technique that originated in China and was introduced to Japan more than a thousand years ago. There are two different types of moxibustion: direct, and indirect. Japanese Acupuncturists adopted both methods but prefer to use direct moxibustion because of its effectiveness. Direct moxibustion is known as Okyu in Japan and this is the what I use in my practice.

Both direct and indirect methods create heat by burning moxa, an herb derived from drying the underside of the mugwort plant's leaves. Mugwort is part of the chrysanthemum family. Great variation occurs in the grade of moxa available for therapeutic practice. Okyu uses the highest grade of pure moxa possible, which allows for its application directly to the skin.

Okyu is applied by using the fingers to roll a small amount of moxa into the size of a sesame seed or half of a grain of rice. This piece is then placed on the skin at an acupuncture point and burned with a special type of incense. The result is an intense, penetrating heat that stimulates the acupuncture point involved without being uncomfortable. Discomfort is minimized because 1) only extra-pure moxa is used and 2) the moxa is rolled into the smallest size possible 3) a thin layer of Shiunko ointment is applied to the skin prior to lighting the moxa.

Okyu achieves clinical effectiveness through its deep penetrating heat causing a micro-trauma. This stimulates the immune system to elevate blood cell counts (especially white blood cells), which brings ciruclation to the site, strengthening immunity and relieving pain and inflammation.

Traditionally moxibustion has always been used together with Acupuncture but, when done alone, can also achieve excellent results. In Japan, Okyu is used for the treatment of a wide range of disorders, especially neurological and musculo-skeletal ones. It is also used regularly for the prevention of "dis"ease and the maintenance of health and well being.

Only in Japan are there separate licenses for the practise of acupuncture and moxibustion.  This requires practitioners to uphold a high standard of training in moxibustion therapy.  While it a technique adjunct to acupunture outside of Japan, moxibustion therapy in Japan requires a higher degree of specialization to obtain a National licence.

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Okyu Demonstration