Moxibustion, a non-toxic, side-effect-free green traditional therapy, is an essential component of ancient Chinese medicine. Ancient medical texts in China mention moxibustion as a treatment method, stating, “When medicine and acupuncture fall short, moxibustion must be applied,” indicating its efficacy in cases where other methods may fail. The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon even states, “The method to preserve life, moxibustion comes first,” emphasizing moxibustion’s role in extending life and nourishing the kidneys.
The unique heat produced by burning moxa surpasses that of other heating substances. During combustion, moxa emits special far-infrared rays with a penetration power 3 to 4 times greater than ordinary infrared rays. This activation of cell immune activators enhances the body’s immunity.
Moxibustion also serves the function of automatically locating ailments and opening meridians. The continuous burning and transmission of moxa’s pure Yang warmth permeate the body from the skin’s surface to reach the affected areas, clearing blockages and automatically regulating the body’s internal balance of Yin and Yang energies. This, in turn, achieves the functions of strengthening Yang, promoting wellness, and treating illnesses. Moxibustion mainly works in two ways:
- Preparation for Disease Resistance:
Importing medicinal properties, changing skin temperature, and potential microtrauma (moxa spark) prepare the body for disease resistance. Moxibustion stimulates specific acupuncture points through medicinal properties and heat, inducing a specific stress state in the local body. This activates the body’s potential, making the immune system more active and robust.
- Provision of Positive Energy for Cells:
Infrared radiation produced during moxibustion provides the necessary energy for cellular metabolism and immune function. Medical clinical studies show a significant increase in local thermal imaging and red blood cell activity before and after moxibustion, indicating enhanced cellular energy, leading to strengthened resistance to external pathogens.
Research utilizing infrared radiation thermal imaging technology reveals a clear meridian infrared radiation trajectory on the back of a normal human body, completely consistent with the classical route of the Du Meridian (a major energy channel in human body). Moxibustion not only induces the infrared radiation trajectory of the corresponding meridian but can also alter the skin temperature of existing meridian infrared radiation trajectories, making them more continuous and regular.
Visualizing the infrared radiation trajectory of meridians on the back of the human body through infrared thermal imaging provides an intuitive understanding of the existence of meridians. Comparing changes in the temperature thermal imaging of Du Meridian-related acupuncture points before and after moxibustion allows users to understand the influence of moxibustion on the temperature of Du Meridian-related acupuncture points and its role in warming and promoting the meridians.
Moxibustion, as an essential part of ancient Chinese medicine, is characterized by its medication-free, non-toxic nature, making it a green, ecological therapy. Through centuries of experimentation, research, and continued use, moxibustion has become a routine practice documented in various classical texts and widely applied in many traditional Chinese medicine clinics. Here are some major effects of moxibustion treatment:
- Addressing Cold Syndromes:
“Heating those who are cold, cooling those who are hot.” Far-infrared heat therapy quickly eliminates internal cold and dampness, effectively addressing conditions such as dysmenorrhea, infertility, cold hands and feet, myomas, and obesity.
- Pain Relief:
“Heat relieves pain.” Effectively alleviates headaches, neck pain, lower back and leg pain, muscle pain, and pain caused by injuries.
- Dispelling Stagnant Blood:
Infrared radiation relaxes blood vessels and promotes blood vessel dilation. Moxibustion has remarkable effects on conditions related to qi stagnation, such as gastric distension, chest tightness, hiccups, and circulatory disorders caused by blood stasis or trauma.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Infrared radiation enhances the phagocytic activity of white blood cells and reticuloendothelial cells, inhibits the release of inflammatory substances, and shows remarkable effects on inflammation-related conditions such as pharyngitis, periodontitis, gastritis, cholecystitis, prostatitis, gynecological inflammation, injuries, and inflammation.
In addition, moxibustion directly enhances the killing ability of NK cells (natural killer cells). NK cells are important immune cells with specific killing effects on various viruses and tumors, and their activity decreases with age. Studies in Japan have shown that regular moxibustion at specific acupoints such as Guanyuan, Zusanli, Dazhui, and Mingmen can significantly increase NK cell activity in the elderly. Simultaneously, moxibustion can directly delay the atrophy rate of the thymus, a vital immune organ, leading to a substantial improvement in cell immune function.
In conclusion, moxibustion, with its roots deeply embedded in ancient Chinese medicine, offers a multitude of therapeutic benefits. From enhancing immune function and relieving pain to promoting overall wellness, moxibustion continues to play a crucial role in traditional Chinese medicine practices worldwide.
Reference: The article is translated from Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Management | Application of Huajingkang Infrared Thermal Imaging Products in Moxibustion Therapy, HJKIR, 17 Jan 2022.
