A technique of TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine, moxibustion is a type of heat therapy that uses a small bunch of tightly bound moxa or burning herbs to the selected acupuncture points. It is sometimes used alongside acupuncture therapy in Spokane. Moxibustion is a natural form of treatment involving the burning of a mall, spongy herb, known as mugwort to promote healing. As with most types of traditional Chinese medicine techniques, moxibustion is designed to maintain general health, boost the flow of qi, and tonify the blood.
What is the relationship between Kidney Disease and Moxibustion?
Kidney Disease is oftentimes due to a functional disorder and is a chronic type of illness. Most people suffering from this condition have, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, a stagnant or cold constitution. Even with patients who seem to be manifesting heat, they actually are suffering from underlying and systematic chronic cold within their bodies that generate symptoms of heat-syndrome brought about by their body attempting to balance itself.
Moxibustion therapy is used to warm the meridians and expel cold, which results in a smoother flow of qi and blood. When used in patients with Kidney Disease, moxibustion can greatly help strengthen the immunity of the patient and create a better internal environment for the damaged tissue in order to improve kidney function and to boost the self healing processes of the body.
Aside from the amelioration of the kidneys, extra effects on some other symptoms, such as bad mood, weak immunity, pain, fatigue, and high blood pressure can also be addressed by moxibustion.
What are the kinds of Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is associated with the burning of moxa–a kind of Chinese herb, as mentioned before. It has two types forms– Indirect and Direct moxibustion.
Indirect Moxibustion
This is a process that uses burning moxa either on top of an acupuncture needle or above the skin and left in place for a certain period of time. People receiving this type of moxibustion rarely get hurt from the procedure.
Direct Moxibustion
Direct Moxibustion usually includes acupuncture treatment, which is used before the moxibustion. In this process, a burning cone of moxa is applied directly on an acupuncture point.
Direct moxibustion usually leaves scars on the skin and is a painful procedure. This type of moxibustion is further divided into two types– non-scarring and scarring. In the scarring method, the moxa cone is placed on an acupoint, lit up, and allowed to remain onto the acupoint until it completely burns out. The direct burning can cause some blistering on the skin after healing.
In the non-scarring method, the moxa is placed on an acupoint and set afire, but is immediately removed before the skin gets burned. The patient tends to experience a pleasant warm sensation that reaches deep into the skin. Unless the moxa is left on the skin for too long, non-scarring moxibustion should not hurt nor cause scarring or blistering.
Side effects:
For people getting direct moxibustion, the local skin might get hurt because of the fire. Blistering might also occur.
If taken internally, oils from wormwood and mugwort can cause negative reactions, although their toxicity is much lower when applied to the skin.
Moreover, moxibustion is widely deemed to be unsafe for people suffering from diabetes.
Dos and Don’ts:
Moxibustion is a safe treatment for people with chronic conditions or problems. It is applicable for people suffering from stagnant or cold or conditions but contraindicated for people who are diagnosed with too much heat in their bodies.
If you are suffering from respiratory infections or other related problems, we do not recommend moxibustion therapy for you because burning moxa tends to generate plenty of odor or smoke.