Moxibustion & Smoke Cleansing

Moxibustion (moxa) is the burning of the herb Mugwort to stimulate acupuncture points and infuse warmth, and other herbs may be burned to move energy or create a healing container.

The Chinese character for acupuncture is actually the combination of an acupuncture needle and moxibustion. Historically moxa is equally as important as acupuncture, though it’s typically used less in most clinics today. Moxa does far more than simply warm the skin, its profound healing powers results from the combination of heat, unique infrared frequencies that stimulate cellular activity, and it’s penetrating essential oils.

There is an entire art to moxa treatments, it can be burned over the skin in a compressed stick, on the skin with a protective barrier, on top of acupuncture needles for penetrating heat, or moxa sticks are held in a moxa box placed over the abdomen or back. Moxa ranges from very small amounts that stimulate an acupuncture point to huge amounts to deeply infuse warmth. Treatments are considered more effective when acupuncture and moxa are used together, though moxa isn’t always necessary.

Acupuncture by its nature is depleting, it moves the patient’s qi to elicit changes, while moxa is nourishing as it infuses warmth and energy to the body from the outside. Moxa offers deep penetrating heat that is unlike anything else, it’s especially great in winter, and most people find it very enjoyable.

It can be helpful to use in the treatment of children who are often nervous about needles. They enjoy the feeling and warmth of the moxa while we are still able to stimulate their acupuncture points. The response is usually not as strong as acupuncture, but sometimes this is all that is needed for children who have more sensitive systems. Equally it can be utilized when anyone is deficient and needs some supplemental energy. Moxibustion has been shown in clinical studies to increase the red blood cell count and promote healing and it has been used extensively as a core part of preventative healthcare in many countries.

Moxa can be quite smoky and has a similar smell to burnt sage. It is generally avoided if a patient has respiratory issues. Some practitioners use a smokeless moxa, but studies show it has almost none of the healing benefits, so we use classic moxa in the clinic and are mindful of ventilation and sensitivities.

Smoke Cleansing

Smoke cleansing, or smudging, is the common name given to the practice of intentionally and respectfully burning fragrant plants for a therapeutic purpose. Smoke cleansing is the ancient practice used by countless cultures to clear stagnant energy and to restore balance to a person or a space. If it is welcome, when needed we employ the art of burning herbs during a session. It can quickly and powerfully aid the effects of the acupuncture. At times there is stagnant energy that needs moving, while at other times herbal fragrances can create a potent container of safety that helps create space for a particular healing process to unfold.