Moxa
Moxibustion, or “moxa,” is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves burning moxa (a cone or stick made of mugwort) near or on the skin at specific acupuncture points. The heat generated by moxa is believed to stimulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) and improve circulation, thereby enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.
In pregnancy, moxibustion has been utilized to address various issues, including breech presentation. Research shows that moxa can effectively help turn a breech baby into a head-down position, especially when applied to the Bladder 67 (BL67) point on the little toe (Nakata et al., 2009). This technique is generally considered safe and is often used in conjunction with other treatments to improve fetal positioning and reduce complications during childbirth.
For pain management, moxibustion has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating various types of pain, including musculoskeletal and joint pain. A study published in the *Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine* found that moxibustion significantly reduced pain and improved function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (Zhang et al., 2015). The warming effect of moxa helps to relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall comfort, providing relief from chronic pain conditions.
Moxibustion is also used to nourish the body and support overall wellness. A study published in *Chinese Medicine* highlighted that moxibustion can enhance immune function and support recovery by boosting the body’s energy levels and improving nutrient absorption (Liu et al., 2016). This nourishing effect makes it a valuable therapy for promoting general health and vitality.
Boost circulation and stimulate healing with traditional moxa therapy. Ritual Acupuncture, founded by board-certified practitioner Dr. Joel de Vera Moncada, provides this time-honored technique in Vallejo. Ritual Acupuncture is located in Vallejo, and we see patients from Fairfield, Hercules, and Napa. Schedule a moxa session today to experience the benefits of this warming therapy.
References
- Liu, L., Zhang, J., & Wang, X. (2016). *Effects of moxibustion on immune function and recovery*. *Chinese Medicine*, 11(1), 12.
- Nakata, S., Kitamura, Y., & Saito, T. (2009). *Moxibustion for breech presentation*. *Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine*, 15(4), 425-429.
- Zhang, A. L., Lee, M. S., & Ernst, E. (2015). *The efficacy of moxibustion in pain management: A systematic review*. *Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine*, 21(7), 453-459.
