What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a direct or indirect technique that involves the burning of a Chinese Herb, called Mugwort (also known as artemesia vulgaris or Ai ye in Chinese). Research has shown that moxa acts as an 'emmenagogue', an agent that increases blood circulation.

With 'Indirect moxa', a lit moxa stick is used or the moxa is wrapped around the tip of a needle and lit. The infusion of heat brings instant relief to pain in the muscles and joints as this transfers deeply into the acupuncture point. 'Direct moxa' is a method where the dried herb is rolled into a small cone and burned directly on the skin.

 

Clinical Studies: Acupuncture and Moxibustion For Breech Presentation

In an Italian Study, 260 women experiencing their first pregnancy with breech presentations in the 33rd week, 130 women were treated with moxibustion to the acupuncture point, Zhiyin, BL-67 for seven days, and 130 women formed a control group. 75.4% of the babies in the moxibustion group turned, compared to 47.7% in the control group. Results showed an increase in foetal activity in the moxibustion group.

A study in China took 505 women with breech presentations with the gestational range of 28-34 weeks. 241 received moxibustion for seven days on BL-67 and 264 women formed the control group. 81% of the babies in the moxibustion group turned compared to 49% of babies in the control group.

What Can Moxibustion Do?

Moxibustion is used for many conditions in China, some of which include:

• Pain relief
• Muscular-skeletal conditions
• Sports injuries
• Gynaecological conditions (endometriosis, painful periods)
• Infertility
• Digestive complaints
• Arthritis
• Turning breech babies

The London Acupuncture Space has undergone intensive training in Acupuncture, Fertility Acupuncture and Obstetrics Acupuncture with Zita West and at the Royal College of Physicians in London. We are Members of the British Acupuncture Council.