Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Let the healing warmth of moxa restore the harmony within your body and spirit.
A Healing Warmth
Moxibustion is another popular practice in Chinese medicine that promotes the flow of qi. You’ll feel a warm, soothing sensation radiate through your body as the burning herb mugwort removes blockages and allows your energy to flow freely through your body’s meridians.
Explore how acupuncture and moxibustion can help you on your health journey:
Moxibustion Benefits
Our qi flows through our whole system and influences all aspects of our health, from physical to mental conditions. When our energy pathways are blocked or stagnate, our bodies become out of balance and are not able to heal. Therefore, it is critical to keep these meridians unblocked and let our qi flow freely. Moxa and acupuncture are natural therapies that improve our self-healing abilities.
The warming benefits of this therapy are especially useful for those who have autoimmune diseases, low immunity, aches and pains, or have conditions that keep them cold. Healing is stimulated by the improved blood circulation and qi flow that comes from the burning of moxa which is made from the herb mugwort.
Moxibustion Treatments We Offer
There are a few options when it comes to moxibustion treatments. Our clinic mainly practices indirect treatments: smokeless stick moxa and stick-on moxa. If the situation calls for it, we might also use a direct treatment that involves lighting loose moxa on the end of acupuncture needles or directly on the skin. We’ll discuss your medical history and health goals with you before you start treatment so we can create a custom plan for your specific condition and needs. Our recommendations will vary, but we’ll walk you through the entire process and answer any questions you may have.
Moxibustion Therapy
Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Moxibustion Therapy
Moxibustion therapy promotes healing through the burning of the Chinese herb mugwort. This treatment method involves a smokeless stick moxa that is lit and held next to the affected area. We will continue to warm the area until the warmth gets too warm, then pause, then repeat. It is a technique called pecking and reduces discomfort, burning, or scarring.
Moxa Acupuncture
Moxibustion acupuncture is the same as moxibustion treatment. Both use the burning of mugwort to stimulate blood flow, but in this case, the moxa is held over acupuncture points or placed directly on those points. Each method produces a pleasant warming sensation at the site of the moxa. We will continue to warm the areas until the warmth gets too warm.
A Thoughtful Approach to Healing
Dr. Adam Miramon is a true miracle worker and a fantastic practitioner.
Took a chance on acupuncture to help heal increasing lower back/sciatica nerve pain. Dr. Adam Miramon is a true miracle worker and a fantastic practitioner. He was patient, thoughtful in his healing approach, and set appropriate expectations. After a concerted treatment plan, I have seen near 100% improvement in my conditions—incredibly grateful for Dr. Adam! Would highly recommend to anyone experiencing pain or otherwise—fantastic staff and practice!
Read MoreWhat We Treat
Moxibustion and moxa acupuncture naturally restore the movement of your life energy and bring relief to a number of conditions. Most often it is used as an effective treatment for pain—tension, arthritis, and pain from injuries, but the benefits of this warming therapy circulate through the whole system, helping with breech babies, digestive issues, and even fatigue.
Fertility
Prenatal Care
Perinatal Care
Women's Health
Chronic & Acute Pain
Sleep & Insomnia
Common Conditions Treated With Moxibustion
Moxibustion and moxa acupuncture are effective therapies for a wide variety of health issues. Many of our patients come in for issues related to pain, digestive issues, and gynecological conditions.
We use moxibustion treatments for a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Breech baby
- Gynecological and obstetrical conditions
- All types of pain both acute and chronic
- Certain types of injuries
- Cold body and limbs
- Fatigue
- Arthritis
- Conditions where there is aversion to cold
- Digestive problems and irregular elimination
Our Moxibustion Specialists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a practice in Chinese medicine that promotes the flow of qi (life energy). During treatments patients feel a warming sensation radiate through the body as the burning mugwort removes blockages and allows energy to flow freely through the body’s meridians.
What is Moxibustion Acupuncture?
Moxibustion acupuncture treatments use the burning of mugwort to promote the flow of qi. The burning mugwort is held over acupuncture points or placed on those points (stick-on moxa). Both methods create a warming sensation at the site of the moxa.
How Does Moxibustion Work?
The heat produced from the burning herb mugwort removes blockages and increases the flow of qi/energy/blood. The qi travels through the body in channels (meridians) to keep the body in a healthy balance. Allowing your system to rebalance is what produces healing effects.
What is Moxibustion Used For?
Moxibustion is used to bring relief to many types of issues throughout the body. Some common conditions our patients come in for include pain resulting from an injury, arthritis, digestive issues, breech babies, fatigue, conditions that cause an aversion to cold, gynecological and obstetrical conditions.
While moxibustion is an effective therapy for many, it is not an appropriate treatment for some patients or conditions. We will recommend other treatments if you come in for any of the following reasons:
- Fever
- Hyperemia
- Hypertension
- Acute and chronic hemorrhage
- During menstruation
- Nervousness and overexcitement
- Sleep disturbances
- Or “heat” conditions in Chinese medicine
Is Moxibustion Safe?
The staff at our clinic take every precaution to ensure our moxibustion treatments are safe. There are some methods of moxibustion that cause scarring, but the techniques we employ in our clinic do not produce scars. We take great care to not burn our patients during treatment.
Is Moxibustion Effective?
Yes, moxibustion is an effective therapy for a number of conditions. The warming sensation produced by the burning of mugwort increases qi (blood flow) and restores balance to the body. When energies in the body are in balance, you are able to find relief and healing.
How Long Does Moxibustion Take to Work?
Each patient is unique in their needs and their response to moxibustion treatments. Some patients experience results in as little as 3-4 treatments while others may need to be in active treatment for 3-6 months.
Can Moxibustion Induce Labor?
No, moxibustion cannot induce labor. While there are acupuncture techniques that can help promote the onset of labor, moxibustion is not one of those techniques. However, ai ye (mugwort), the herb from which moxa is made, is used in Chinese herbal medicine during pregnancy for prenatal and perinatal care.
Does Moxibustion Work For Breech Babies?
Yes, moxibustion can be an effective treatment for breech babies. Research shows that 1 out of every 8 breech babies can be flipped using moxa. For this particular use, we recommend coming in as early as 34 weeks. We can see you every 3 days until the baby flips head down. We also send patients home with moxa to do their own treatments twice per day.
How Does Moxibustion Work for Breech Babies?
Moxibustion uses heat to help activate the uterus, prompting the baby to turn in preparation for labor. This process is to transform the yin of birth into yang in preparation for labor and delivery.
How Many Moxibustion Sessions Are Needed To Turn a Breech Baby?
The number of sessions needed varies from mom to mom. We recommend coming in as early as 34 weeks and continuing treatments every 3 days until the baby flips in the correct position. We also send patients home with moxa to do their own treatments twice per day.
What To Expect
You can expect to find a partner in your health journey.
At Transformational Acupuncture, we strive to provide a welcoming environment to each and every patient. We understand traditional healthcare can make some wary of seeking help, even if it’s for the betterment of their health. That’s why we take a holistic approach when treating each person. You will be listened to, treated with respect, and be seen as a true partner in your own health journey.
At the beginning of your treatment you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we’ll discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we’ll create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.
Your Patient Journey
At the beginning of your treatment, you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we will discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we will create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.
Learn more about your complete patient journey.
Get Started Today
Begin your holistic health journey by scheduling an appointment today. Schedule online or give us a call at (202) 297-7404.
To learn if your insurance covers acupuncture and other treatments, please fill out our short form to verify your benefits with us.
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