MOXABUSTION

(Investigator 180, 2018 May)


History

See under Acupressure and Acupuncture.


Theory

Heat applied to an acupuncture needle stimulates the acupoint. The treatment supposedly clears the blocked meridian channel and rebalances the energies throughout the body.

Practice

An adjunct to acupuncture. There are two popular methods. One is to use an ignited moxa stick to evenly heat up the acupuncture needle. The other is to place a
small pile of moxa (the leaf of the Chinese mugwort [wormwood] tree) on the end of an inserted needle or directly on the skin. The moxa smoulders without producing a flame.

Assessment

As in acupressure and acupuncture, the treatment is based on a philosophical concept. It has no scientific or medical evidence to support proponents' claims.


From: Edwards, H. 1999 Alternative, Complementary Holistic & Spiritual Healing, Australian Skeptics Inc.


http://ed5015.tripod.com/