Moxibustion or Moxa involves burning the herb 'Mugwort' to create heat on acupuncture points and channels throughout the body. Classical Chinese medicine texts (Ling Shu and Guan Neng),state that moxa is as effective as acupuncture and specifically increases production of blood and "yin" energy. Another acupuncture treatment for those scared of needles!
The moxa’s thermal properties rebalance the nerve-endocrine-immune network and circulatory system, which helps to prevent and cure disease often by stimulating the production of Anti-inflamatory Cytokines and consequently WBC (White Blood Cells) count. It also raises blood calcium level, quality of platelets, volume of hemoglobin and number of red blood cells.
Moxa is a strong antioxidant and also has antiviral and antifungal properties. It is often used to address infertility and to remedy breech baby syndrome. Although in the west Moxa is less known in the West, in Eastern cultures it is often even more popular than traditional acupuncture!
