WHAT IS MOXA?
Moxa comes from the plant Artemisia vulgaris, or common mugwort. The leaves are dried and prepared to create a light “floss” which can then be either rolled into cones which are burnt over specific acupuncture points, used in a box or a stick held just above the skin to warm a larger area, or on the end of a needle, to give a deep, penetrating warmth.
Moxibustion, Cupping & Gua Sha
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is the practice of burning small cones of a herb known as moxa, on the acupuncture points until a pleasant warming sensation is felt by the patient. Moxa may be used alone or in combination with various acupuncture techniques. It is often used in the treatment of painful conditions such as osteoarthritic knee pain. In cases where the patient feels excessively cold, it can be extremely warming and nourishing.
Cupping
Cupping is a technique which involves applying a vacuum (a glass cup with the air removed either by a pump or flame) to the skin and either leaving it in place for several minutes, or moving it around the affected body part providing a pleasant massage-like sensation. This draws blood to the area, nourishing the muscles and relieving pain.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a deep form of massage. Literally translated, gua means “to rub” and sha means “stagnation”. A round-edged instrument is used to pressure the skin in firm strokes over the affected site encouraging blood and qi to move more freely.
Like cupping, gua sha leaves a reddish marking on the skin after treatment which gradually fades over the course of a few days. The darkness of the red marks and the length of time they take to fade is indicative of the level of stagnation which has been moved.