Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese Medicine practice that uses the herb “Mugwort” which is also known as Artemisia vulgaris or Ai Ye in Chinese Herbal Medicine. The herb has the property of being warming and it increases the blood flow with the use of heat therapy.

The smell of Moxa is quite pungent and a lot of smoke can be released. If you suffer from respiratory disorders, please advice your practitioner, as Moxa may not be suitable for you.

What is moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese Medicine therapy that uses the warming herb Mugwort (known as Artemisia vulgaris or Ai Ye in Chinese Herbal Medicine). This beautiful therapy works by gently applying heat to the body, helping to boost circulation, move Qi and blood through the meridians, and strengthen overall vitality.

At Rebalance Chinese Medicine, we use both direct and indirect forms of moxibustion, depending on your needs:

Direct Moxibustion involves shaping the herb into a small cone and placing it on specific acupuncture points. The cone is carefully lit and allowed to burn down partway, allowing soothing heat to penetrate deeply into the skin before it is removed.

Indirect Moxibustion uses moxa placed on the end of an acupuncture needle or a lit moxa stick held close to the skin. This method warms the body without direct contact and is ideal for sensitive areas or when a gentler approach is needed.

Traditionally, moxibustion has been used to assist with conditions caused by “cold” in the body, such as arthritis and joint pain. It is also well-known for supporting the natural turning of breech babies before birth, alongside acupuncture and standard maternity care. (1)

Research suggests that Mugwort may help stimulate blood flow to the pelvis and uterus, which may explain its role in assisting with breech presentation and menstrual health.

Exciting new evidence now supports the use of moxibustion, especially when combined with acupuncture, to encourage babies to find the best position for birth. (1).

After your initial consultation At Rebalance Chinese Medicine we may suggest moxibustion as a treatment to best support your body. It can be used alone, or in combination with acupuncture and herbal medicine.

¹ Coyle, M. E., Smith, C. A., Peat, B. (2012). Cephalic version by moxibustion for breech presentation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD003928. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003928.pub3

Coyle, M. E., Smith, C. A. & Peat, B. Cephalic version by moxibustion for breech presentation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2023). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003928. pub4

What are the benefits of moxibustion?

Pain relief – in injuries or due to arthritis, it is particularly good for conditions where the pain feels better with the use of heat application
In “cold” conditions – causing blockages, the use of heat treatment moves the blockage and allows the blood and qi to return to normal flow
Strengthens the blood, improves qi and blood flow
In repositioning the fetus in Breech conditions while being used alongside acupuncture and other medical assistance, such as an ECV (as cited in 1, 9, 10, 11)
Moxibustion may help regulate blood flow, which is important for overall health.
To aid with anemia in pregnancy – Moxa is applied to the traditional acupuncture point St36 for 10 consectutive days – moxibustion may help regulate blood flow, which is important for overall health.

After your initial consultation at Rebalance, we may suggest moxibustion as a treatment to best support your body. It can be used alone, or in combination with acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Contact Rebalance today to find out how moxibustion can help your health and wellbeing.

References:

1. Hofmeyr, G. J., Kulier, R. & West, H. M. External cephalic version for breech presentation at term. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2019, (2015).

2. Dekker, R. Evidence on: Breech Version. Evidence Based Birth® (2017) at https://evidencebasedbirth.com/what-is-the-evidence-for-using-an-external-cephalic- version-to-turn-a-breech-baby/

3. Obstetric Care Consensus No. 1: Safe Prevention of the Primary Cesarean Delivery. Obstetrics & Gynecology 123, 693–711 (2014).

4. Smith, C. A. & Betts, D. The practice of acupuncture and moxibustion to promote cephalic version for women with a breech presentation: Implications for clinical practice and research.

Complementary Therapies in Medicine 22, 75–80 (2014).

5. Coyle, M. E., Smith, C. A. & Peat, B. Cephalic version by moxibustion for breech presentation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2023). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003928. pub4

6. Liao, J.-A., Shao, S.-C., Chang, C.-T., Chai, P. Y.-C., Owang, K.-L., Huang, T.-H., Yang, C.-H., Lee, T.-J. & Chen, Y.-C. Correction of Breech Presentation with Moxibustion and Acupuncture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare 9, 619 (2021).

7. Vas, J., Aranda-Regules, J. M., Modesto, M., Ramos-Monserrat, M., Barón, M., Aguilar, I., Benítez-Parejo, N., Ramírez-Carmona, C. & Rivas-Ruiz, F. Using Moxibustion in Primary Healthcare to Correct Non-Vertex Presentation: A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial. Acupunct Med 31, 31–38 (2013).

8. External Cephalic Version and Reducing the Incidence of Term Breech Presentation: Green-top Guideline No. 20a. BJOG: Int J Obstet Gy 124, e178–e192 (2017).

9. Cardini, F. & Weixin, H. Moxibustion for Correction of Breech Presentation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA 280, 1580 (1998).

10. Cardini, F., Lombardo, P., Regalia, A. L., Regaldo, G., Zanini, A., Negri, M. G., Panepuccia, L. & Todros, T. A randomised controlled trial of moxibustion for breech presentation. BJOG: Int J O&G 112, 743–747 (2005).

11. Neri, I., Airola, G., Contu, G., Allais, G., Facchinetti, F. & Benedetto, C. Acupuncture plus moxibustion to resolve breech presentation: a randomized controlled study. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine 15, 247–252 (2004).

Disclaimer: Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary from patient to patient based on the circumstances of the patient’s specific situation. A result is not promised and/or guaranteed from the act of receiving treatment.

What are the benefits of moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a gentle and traditional therapy that has been used for centuries to support digestion, fertility, pregnancy, and women’s health.

At Rebalance Chinese Medicine, we use moxibustion to:

Relieve pain – particularly in injuries and arthritis, where pain improves with the soothing application of heat.

Disperse cold conditions – by moving blockages and encouraging the smooth flow of Qi and blood through the body.

Strengthen and nourish the blood – supporting overall vitality and improving circulation.

Regulate blood flow – which is essential for general health, recovery, and wellbeing.

Assist in turning breech babies – when used alongside acupuncture and standard medical care such as External Cephalic Version (ECV).¹

Support anemia during pregnancy – traditionally, applying moxa to the acupuncture point ST36 for 10 consecutive days has been used to enhance blood nourishment and energy levels.

Today, modern research supports the traditional use of moxibustion — particularly for breech presentation.

A Cochrane Database systematic review found that moxibustion, especially when combined with acupuncture, may significantly increase the likelihood of a breech baby turning head-down before birth.¹

At Rebalance Chinese Medicine, we blend ancient wisdom with modern evidence to support your health, your pregnancy, and your overall wellbeing.

Reference:

References

What may moxibustion assist with?

Discover the Benefits of Moxibustion for Women’s Health at Rebalance

At Rebalance, we have a focus on women’s health, harnessing the power of moxibustion to provide natural support for a variety of concerns:

Find Relief from Painful Periods: The warming action of moxa helps to move stagnant blood and Qi, easing cramps and promoting a smoother menstrual cycle.

Support Your Fertility and Hormone Balance: Moxibustion can assist in regulating your cycle, encouraging healthy ovulation, and improving blood flow to your reproductive organs – vital for fertility and hormonal health.

Improve Urinary Function: Traditional Chinese Medicine utilizes moxibustion to strengthen Kidney Qi, a key energy for healthy urinary control.

Encourage Natural Turning of Breech Babies: Modern research indicates that moxibustion can help breech babies turn head-down before birth, with a Cochrane review noting significant success when combined with acupuncture.¹

Ease Menopausal Symptoms: Moxibustion can help your body adapt during menopause by improving circulation, reducing hot flushes, calming your nervous system, and strengthening your Yin and Qi.

In addition to women’s health, moxibustion may also be used to support:

Insomnia and Stress Relief

By calming the mind and warming key points on the body, moxibustion can help soothe the nervous system, supporting better sleep and emotional balance.

Joint Pain and Arthritis

In cases where pain worsens in cold or damp weather, moxibustion’s warming properties can help move stagnation, ease stiffness, and relieve discomfort.

Digestive Health

Moxibustion is often used to warm the digestive system, supporting better absorption and movement of food and Qi through the gut.

Circulation

By enhancing blood flow, moxibustion may assist in conditions linked to poor circulation, promoting warmth and vitality throughout the body.

Contact us today to learn how moxibustion can support your health and wellbeing.

Reference:

¹ Coyle, M. E., Smith, C. A., Peat, B. (2012). Cephalic version by moxibustion for breech presentation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD003928. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003928.pub3
Coyle, M. E., Smith, C. A. & Peat, B. Cephalic version by moxibustion for breech presentation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2023). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003928. pub4