Moxibustion (warming of active acupuncture points, meridians, and painful zones) is a cure and prevention of diseases through application of heat. Material used at moxibustion is mostly pieces of mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris) formed into bigger or smaller rolls, small cones of dried plant, which are mounted on active points of the body or placed and burnt at the end of an acupuncture needle. Moxa has therapeutic qualities of warming meridians and expelling obstructions, chilliness, and pathological dampness from these meridians, thus supporting normal functioning of the organs. It warms slightly and at the same time, deeply penetrates under skin, bringing the feeling of pleasant heat and comfort. Its curative effect has been used for more than 4,000 years.
There are two types of moxibustion: direct moxibustion (warming acupuncture points directly on skin) and indirect moxibustion, at which the moxa is placed on plants which support its heat effect and secure for a longer-term impact. In our conditions, this method uses mainly thin slices of ginger and garlic – mostly at treating diarrhoea, all chronic, severe and lingering diseases with loss of energy, at abdominal pains, joint aches, and also at early stages of skin and virus infections. Special application of moxa, at which navel is filled with salt through which belly organs are heated, is exploited in case of collapses with cold limbs, weak and thread pulse, nausea, and diarrhoea. Moxibustion leaves behind a pleasant feeling of warmth in organism and brings fast recess of painful symptoms and return of energy.
