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Moksibustija je metoda segrevanja specifičnih akupunkturnih točk telesa tako, da se zelišča žge blizu kože. Ta tehnika je lahko uporabljena samostojno ali v kombinaciji skupaj z akupunkturo - kitajska pismenka za akupunkturo dobesedno pomeni ‘akupunktura-moksibustija’. Če jo izvaja izurjen izvajalec kitajske medicine, lahko moksibustija pomaga pri stimulaciji šibkega, nezadostnega ali stagniranega qi-ja z uvajanjem terapevtske vročine. S takšnim postopkom se zvišajo zdravilni učinki akupunkture in ublaži kronična stagnacija.
Iz česa je narejena moksibustija?
Zelišče, ki je uporabljeno za mokso, je navadni pelin (Artemisia vulgaris, Ai Ye); invazivni plevel, ki raste v številnih podnebjih. Navadni pelin ima za sabo dolgo zgodovino uporabe v ljudski medicini. Verjamejo, da so stari Rimljani posadili pelin ob cestah z namenom, da so se lahko vanj postavili popotniki z namenom lajšanja bolečin v nogah in zaščite pred izčrpanjem. Morda bi lahko to pojasnili s pelinovo sposobnostjo spodbujanja pretoka qi-ja in krvi. Za rabo moksibustije je zelišče posebej vzgojeno in posušeno. Ko je žgano v terapevtske namene, oddaja aromatični vonj, ki je podoben vonju, ki se sprošča pri žganju žajblja (ali kar mnogi zamenjajo za marihuano).
Nekateri izvajalci ga včasih v svojih klinikah dejansko izpuščajo ravno zaradi njegovega dima in vonja. Lahko je še posebej problematičen za akupunkturista, ki si deli svoje prostore še z drugimi izvajalci ali pa je v prostorih, ki nimajo tako dobrega ventilacijskega sistema. Mnogi akupunkturisti so občutljivi na dim in vonjave same moksibustije. Spomnim se, ko sem dobila pritožbo drugega TKM izvajalca, ko sem še delala v TKM centru v Hong Kongu: po njegovem mnenju sem mokso ‘preveč’ uporabljala.
Običajne oblike in metode rabe moksibustije
Moksa se nahaja v številnih oblikah in vrstah in tip, ki ga izbere akupunkturist, je odvisen od dela telesa, ki ga zdravi, kaj želi doseči ali osebnih preferenc in stila izvajalca. In seveda kaj njegovo delovno mesto dopušča.
Moksa palčke: posušeni navadni pelin je zelo mehek in je lahko zvit v obliko, ki spominja na cigaro. Ko je konec enkrat prižgan, je lahko izgori približno za palec dolžine preko velike površine telesa ali v bližini določene akupunkturne točke. Moksa palčke obstajajo v dimnih in nedimnih oblikah in so običajno nekaj, kar boste vzeli domov, če vam bo vaš akupunkturist predpisal mokso.
Direktna moksa: čista, volni podobna moksa, lahko oblikovana v stožec in položena na določene akupunkturne točke. Običajno je izgorita ⅔ preden se jo odstrani.
Moksa z iglicami: čista moksa je oblikovana v kroglico in nataknjena na konec akupunkturne iglice, nato žgana. Vročina mokse segreje površino kože, prav tako se le-ta preko iglice razširi še globlje v akupunkturno točko.
Prednosti moksibustije
Segreje kanale: glede na tradicionalno kitajsko medicino (TKM) lahko hlad napade telo in blokira energijske kanale. Posledice se lahko odražajo v obliki bolečin na določenih predelih telesa, ki so običajno hujše v hladnem vremenu in se izboljšajo ob uporabi vročine.
Spodbuja cirkulacijo qi-ja in krvi: tako vročina in učinek zelišč mokse pomagata pri pospeševanju gibanja krvi in qi-ja, tako da je predvsem učinkovita za blaženje bolečine, ki se je pojavila ob stagnaciji pretoka qi-ja in krvi. Zato je še posebej priljubljena pri ginekologiji za blaženje menstrualnih krčev. [Preberite še: Pomanjkanje Qi energije: kaj to je in kako jo obvladati?] [Preberite še: Kako TKM pomaga pri pomanjkanju krvi]
Stimulira akupunkturne točke: moksa je uporabljena za stimulacijo specifičnih točk, kjer je težko vbadati iglice, kot je npr. mezinček, ki pomaga pri obračanju otroka, ki je v maternici obrnjen z zadnjico proti izhodu iz maternice. Nekatere točke na telesu so kontraindicirane rabi iglic, kot je npr. točka na popku, ki je povezana z blaženjem prebavnih motenj. Običajna praksa je polaganje stožca direktne mokse na košček ingverja ali kupček soli, ki sta nanesena na to točko.
Krepitev imunosti in moči: terapija z mokso je pokazala, da spodbuja funkcije imunskega sistema, še posebej zvišuje število levkocitov, protivnetnih citokinov in proizvodnjo protiteles. Poleg izboljševanja vaše imunosti in pomoči, ko se počutite povožene, je bilo dodatno dokazano, da je predvsem koristna pri zdravljenju bolezni, kjer je imunski sistem ogrožen, ali pri ljudeh, ki so nagnjeni k zbolevanju. [Preberite več: Za boljši imunski sistem - okrepite svoj Wei Qi]
Sprostitev: žganje mokse je zelo sproščujoče. Njena toplota in vonj ustvarjata občutek globoke sprostitve. Ob polaganju škatlico mokse na spodnji del trebuha vam to pomaga pri prenosu odvečne energije iz glave navzdol in tako izboljšuje vaše razpoloženje.
Kdo vse naj bi razmislil o rabi moksibustije?
Moksibustija spodbuja ognjeno energijo, zato je najpogostje rabljena za preganjanje hladu in posledic, ki jih le-ta prinaša. Običajni problemi, ki so povezani s hladom, so:
Nizka raven krvnega sladkorja (hipoglikemija)
Kontraindikacija moksibustiji
Primarna kontraindikacija za moksibustijo je prisotnost vročinskega sindroma. To pomeni, da ima posameznikovo telo preveč ognjene energije. Moksa v telesni sistem uvaja toploto, kar lahko povzroči poslabšanje bolezni, saj prej zvišuje neravnotežje kot pa ohlaja odvečno toploto.
Ostale kontraindikacije moksibustiji vključujejo občutljive predele telesa, kot so obraz (še posebej pri osebah, ki se izogibajo terapiji z brazgotinjenjem, prav tako pa se izogibajo direktnemu očesnemu ali nosnemu kontaktu z dimom), bradavice in genitalije. Prav tako obstaja skrb za rabo mokse na predelu trebuha in spodnjega dela hrbta med nosečnostjo.
Na splošno je moksa preprosta, varna in vredna svoje cene vrsta terapije. Naročite se na novice z našega bloga, saj poleg dobite preprost priročnik za samopomoč. Za več informacij si pri nas lahko rezervirate termin in deležni boste osebno prilagojenega svetovanja.
Moxibustion Therapy: Uses & Benefits of Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a method of heating specific acupuncture points on the body by burning a herb close to the skin. This technique can be used alone or in combination with acupuncture – the Chinese character for acupuncture literally means “acupuncture-moxibustion.” When used by a skilled practitioner of Chinese medicine, moxibustion can help stimulate sluggish, deficient or stagnated Qi with the introduction of therapeutic heat. In so doing, it amplifies the healing effects of acupuncture and alleviates chronic stagnation.
What is moxa made of?
The herb used for moxa is mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris, Ai Ye) an invasive weed, which grows in many climates. Mugwort has a long history of use in folk medicine. It is believed that the Romans planted mugwort by roadsides to make it available to travelers to put in their shoes to relieve aching feet and protect them from exhaustion. Maybe this is because of its ability to enhance the movement of qi and blood. The herb is harvested and aged for the use of moxibustion. When it is burned for therapeutic use, it gives off a strong aromatic odor similar to that of burning sage or what many people mistake for marijuana.
Some practitioners actually leave it out of their practice space because of the smoke and smell. It could be especially problematic for an acupuncturist who shares an office with other practitioners or for those who don't have particularly good ventilation systems. Many acupuncturists are sensitive to the smoke and scent of moxa themselves. I remember when I was working in a TCM center in Hong Kong, I was complained by another TCM practitioner because of using “too much” moxa.
Common Forms And Methods Using Moxibustion
Moxa comes in many shapes and forms, and the type your acupuncturist chooses is based on what area of the body they're treating, what they're trying to accomplish, or their personal preference and style. And of course, what their work space allows.
Moxa Stick: Dry mugwort is very soft which can be rolled into something resembling a cigar. Once the end is lit, it can be burned an inch or so over a large area or near a specific acupuncture point. Moxa sticks come in smoky or non-smoky forms and are usually what you'll take home if you've been prescribed moxa from your acupuncturist.
Direct: Pure, wool-like moxa can be shaped into a cone and placed on specific acupuncture points. It is usually burnt about 2/3 down before being removed.
Needle moxa: Pure moxa will be rolled into a ball and placed on the end of an acupuncture needle and burned. The heat from the moxa warms the surface of the skin and also transfers through the needle deeper into an acupuncture point.
Benefits Of Moxibustion
Warms the Channels: According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), coldness can invade the body and block the energy channels. This can result in pain in a certain area which often will feel worse in cold weather and feel better with the application of heat.
Promotes Circulation of Qi & Blood: Both the heat and herbal effect of moxa helps to promote movement of blood and qi so it is particularly good for pain, which occurs when qi or blood stagnate. It has been especially popular in gynecology for menstrual cramps. [Read more: Qi deficiency: What is it and how do you manage it?] [Read more: How TCM helps with Blood deficiency]
Stimulates Acupuncture Points: Moxa is used to stimulate specific points that is difficult to put needle on, such as the point on the little toe which helps to turn a breech baby. Some points on the body are contraindicated for needling such as the point on the umbilicus which is helpful for some digestive disorders. It is a common practice to place a cone of direct moxa on a piece of ginger or a pile of salt on this point.
Boost immunity and power: Moxa therapy has been shown to increase immune function, specifically increase white blood cell counts, anti-inflammatory cytokines & antibody production. In addition to improving your immunity and helping you when you are feeling run down, it has proven to be particularly helpful in treating illnesses where the immune system is compromised and can help people who are prone to getting sick. [Read more: Strengthen your Wei Qi for better immunity]
Relaxation: The burning of moxa is very comforting. Its warmth and scent create a feeling of deep relaxation. When the moxa box is put on the lower abdomen, it helps to bring the excessive energy in our head down and therefore claiming our mood.
Who should consider moxibustion?
Moxibustion boosts Fire energy, so it is most often used to dispel coldness and the conditions that arise as a result. Common problems associated with coldness include:
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Joint pain and arthritis
Depression and low mood
Contraindication of Moxibustion
The primary contraindication for moxibustion is the presence of a heat syndrome. A heat syndrome means one’s body has too much Fire energy. Moxa introduces heat to the system so it could cause the disease to worsen by increasing the imbalance rather than cooling down the excessive heat.
Other contraindications for moxibustion involve the sensitive areas of the body, such as the face (where one especially avoids the scarring therapy, but also avoids getting smoke directly into the eyes or nose), the nipples, and the genitals. Concerns are also raised about using moxa during pregnancy for the region of the abdomen and lower back.
In general, moxa is a simple, safe and cost-efficient type of therapy. Subscribe to our website to get a simple self-help guide. For more information, schedule an appointment with us to get a personalized consultation.