Moxibustion is an ancient therapy that has been used to treat a wide variety of medical problems. It can be direct or indirect, with both methods having their distinct advantages and disadvantages. This means there are many reasons you may choose to search for “moxibustion near me” whether alongside or as an alternative to acupuncture and other alternative therapies.
A pleasant warming sensation encourages relaxation
The basic principle of moxibustion is that “moxa”, a form of the herb mugwort, is burned on or close to the skin. This creates a pleasant, warming sensation that causes the muscles to relax whilst stimulating blood flow. This may work as a form of pain relief as well as encouraging your body to heal and causing a generally improved sense of well-being. This is one of the main reasons people search for “moxibustion near me.”
Wide range of possible uses
Some uses of moxibustion are better supported by scientific evidence than others, but it has been used to treat both acute and chronic pain, including headaches, injuries, and conditions such as fibromyalgia. It may also be able to help with digestive problems such as acid reflux and could serve as a useful sleep aid for those with insomnia. The potential benefits are not just physical, with possible outcomes including a reduction in stress, depression, and anxiety, accompanied by an improvement in concentration, memory, and mood.
Turning breech babies
One of the most distinct aspects of moxibustion therapy, in comparison to other alternative treatments, is its use during pregnancy to aid in the turning of breech babies. A baby in the breech position is a complication that can make a pregnancy higher risk. Moxibustion delivered in a non-medical, minimally invasive way can encourage the baby to turn head first. It is a process that is safe during pregnancy if it is carried out by an experienced and qualified professional.
Direct moxibustion treatment does not use needles
Some people may avoid acupuncture because they are uncomfortable with or even scared of needles. Moxibustion relies on many of the same principles as acupuncture, such as unblocking the flow of qi, and it is applied at similar points in the body, so it can provide a logical alternative to acupuncture. Indirect moxibustion does sometimes use needles to guide the moxa, but as direct moxibustion is applied directly to the skin; it may be a better choice for people with a needle phobia.
Indirect moxibustion therapy has less risk of scarring
When practiced carefully, direct moxibustion will not necessarily lead to scarring, and the risk is further reduced when the skin does not have to make direct contact with the burning moxa. You can experience the pleasant, warm, and positive effects that penetrate the skin without causing any burning or blistering.
Conclusion
People use moxibustion treatment for a wide variety of reasons, generally to alleviate pain, promote healing, aid relaxation, and contribute to an overall sense of well-being. Both direct and indirect moxibustion can be used for these purposes, with direct moxibustion offering a needle-free alternative to acupuncture and indirect moxibustion minimizing the risk of injury or scarring.