Moxibustion

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Synonym(s)

Kyuryoho; Moxa Therapy; Zhen jiu

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Japan. mogusa = fire ring. A special form of phyto-therapy: Moxa (dried mugwort or wormwood) is burned directly on the skin in certain areas of the skin in the East, corresponding to acupuncture points, whereas in the West it is burned close to the skin. Subjectively, a deeply penetrating, point-like warmth stimulus is felt. The most important forms of application are direct moxibustion, indirect moxibustion and moxibustion with moxa cigars.

EffectsThis section has been translated automatically.

Recent studies in Japan suggest an immunostimulating effect.

IndicationThis section has been translated automatically.

Especially indicated for diseases caused by cold and moisture (Yin character). Especially chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic diarrhoea, irritable colon, depression, exhaustion syndrome.

ImplementationThis section has been translated automatically.

Direct moxibustion: A moxa cone of 0.5 cm diameter and 0.5 cm height is placed directly on the skin and lit at the tip. The heating of the skin underneath results in a 2nd - 3rd degree burn. Not practical in the western world. The milder form of direct moxibustion with early removal of the cone in case of formation of a heat erythema is feasible.

In the indirect form of moxibustion, a 1-2 mm thick slice of ginger or garlic with a diameter of 1-2 cm is placed under the moxa cone. When a feeling of heat is generated, the ginger slice is moved to the next point. Each point should be heated 5-7 times.

Moxibustion with moxa cigars or moxa cigarettes: Moxa sticks, rolled in thin paper, are rolled up to 0.5-1 cm closer to the skin until an erythema develops.

The burning of moxa wool at the free end of a special acupuncture needle leads to the heat being conducted deep down. Especially suitable points: Shu points, Gb30, meridians.

Moxibustion via electrical devices: infrared radiation.

Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.

Burns; secondary infections; hypertrophic scarring;

ContraindicationThis section has been translated automatically.

Infectious diseases, fever, acute inflammation, hypertension, bleeding, menstruation, overexcitement and nervousness, sleep disorders.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

Stein DJ (2017) Massage Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Other Forms of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.Gastroenterol Clin North Am 46:875-880.

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Authors: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles