moxibustion

Moxibustion is the burning of the herb Artemisia Vulgaris (mugwort) on an acupuncture point and though other herbs are employed, mugwort is most widely used. The heat stimulates the tissues and by action on the channels can regulate the Qi and Blood and is, therefore, a method of curing disease.

Moxibustion according to ancient doctors has some of the following uses

Warm the channels and scatter the cold: “

”When the blood in the vessels freezes, it does not move. Without using fire to regulate, results cannot be achieved.” -Ling Shu Tsu Chieh Yeh Pian “

”If Qi and Blood are in poor condition, Qi will not be strong enough to push the Blood in normal circulation, and the coldness will cause the stasis of Blood (for example: joint soreness and pain are caused both by cold weather and air conditioning). In these conditions, moxibustion treatment is necessary. Thus we know that we can use the heat of moxibustion to penetrate the skin, warm the channels and move the Qi. In addition, Mugwort in a decoction can open the channels and get rid of cold and dampness. These medical properties add to its ability to perform these functions when burned over the skin.” -Chin Fu Pian

Support the Yang and Consolidate the Vital energy:

The Yang is the basis for the metabolism in the body. If the yang is weak, the Yin will be excessive; the symptoms are cold, numbness and even coma. Clinically, we can use moxibustion to warm and tonify in the condition of vanquished Yang.

”If the patient has diarrhea, cold and numb hands and feet and no pulse, use moxa.””-Shang Han Lun “

“If the disease is in the Shao Yin with vomiting, diarrhea, cold hands and feet, fever and no pulse, moxa the Shao Yin channel seven Zhuangs. Thus we can conclude that when external cold enters the body, causing crisis such as the sinking of Yang Qi, we should use moxibustion as quickly as possible.” -Shang Han Lun

Transport the Qi and Blood: “

”When Qi in the upper portion is insufficient, the therapeutic method is to push the flow of Qi and make Qi strong. When Qi in the lower portion is not enough, one must accumulate Qi and keep Qi in good condition.” Because moxibution can move the Qi and invigorate blood circulation when the Yang is weak, moxa at Zhu San Li (ST36) or Yung Chuan (K1) can accumulate enough Qi and keep Qi in good condition. This will support sinking Qi problems such as prolapse of the rectum, uterus, and correct chronic diarrhea. Moxa at Bai Hui (GV20) to raise Yang Qi. If there is an oppressive feeling in the chest due to a deficiency of vital energy of the Middle Burner, Moxa at Wu Chu will tonify the middle burner and Yang Qi.” -Ling Shu Kuan Neng Pian

To prevent disease: “

”If you travel in the Wu Shou area (think airplanes0, first you must Moxa two or three points then all the poisons will not invade your body. -Chien Chin Fang “

”Moxa Guan Yuan CV4 , Qi Hai CV6 (These points both reside in the area below the umbilicus, along the midline), Ming Men GV4 (This point is found on the low back between L2 and L3, along the midline), frequently and you will have a long life.””-Pien Chueh Hsin Shu”

Moxa Zhu San Li ST36 (located below the knee, one finger breadth lateral to the lateral border of the Tibia) frequently and you will prevent all illness. One recommendation for those who frequently catch colds is Moxabustion at Da Zhui GV14 (located between C7 and T1, along the midline).

As you can see Moxa has a long history of use for many conditions as well as prevention of disease and longevity!

Frequently ASked Questions

What is Acupuncture And How Does IT Work?

Acupuncture is a core therapy in Chinese medicine that uses very fine, sterile needles at precisely mapped points to guide the body’s self-healing response. It helps regulate the nervous system, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation—key reasons why it’s effective for pain, headaches, anxiety, sleep, and digestion. Research continues to validate these effects. At Jade Mountain Health in Boulder, Colorado, treatments are gentle and tailored to your goals. Our patients seek treatments for muscle injuries and pain, anxiety, neurological concerns, and depression, among other concerns.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a strand of hair and the insertion is practically painless. In some points, you may not even feel the needle and in others, you may feel a slight tingling sensation. The area may feel itchy, heavy, warm or even numb. The sensation feels almost like the same sensation when you bump the tip of your elbow.

How many treatments will I need?

That depends on the severity of your condition. It is acute, maybe one treatment will do. If it is chronic, estimate 5-10 treatments. As a rule of thumb, estimate 4 treatments for every year that you had the condition. The person's constitutional health and how compliant the person is play a major role in the healing process. The practitioner may suggest diet and lifestyle changes as well as exercise and relaxations techniques. Much of the healing is dependent upon the patient.

Is Chinese Medicine safe?

When acupuncture is practiced by a licensed practitioner and herbs are prescribed by a certified herbalist, it is very safe. There are hardly any side effects and if a patient reports any side effects, the practitioner will see to it that these side effects are relieved. They will have to rebalance the body and not just treat the symptoms. In general the herbs used are put into a formula and not used by itself. A formula will consist about 6-12 herbs. Most of the herbs in the Chinese material medica have a very low level toxicity compared to even common over the counter Western drugs. The Acupuncture needles are all sterile, stainless steel and disposable.

Is there anything that I must do before treatment?

Before a treatment it is suggested that you eat something light, not a full meal. You should not go for a treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, upset, or shortly after sex or drinking alcohol.

What can I expect after treatment?

Some people may feel immediate relief and some may feel only a slight diminish of their symptoms. Many people have reported a better night's rest and their ability to handle stress have improved. In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief only to notice the symptoms diminish over the next couple of days. Generally, you should expect to feel better.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a 2,500-year holistic medical system that includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and Tui Na bodywork. It views health as the dynamic balance of qi, blood, body fluids, yin–yang, and the five phases across interconnected organ systems. Clinically, TCM helps relieve pain, speed injury recovery, reduce stress and anxiety, improve digestion and sleep, and strengthen immunity. At Jade Mountain Health in Boulder, Colorado, Andrew combines classical diagnostics with modern insight to create a personalized plan that fits your goals on the Front Range. Chinese herbal medicine complements acupuncture with customized, clinic-grade formulas that target root patterns—supporting pain relief, digestion, sleep, mood, and immune strength—dispensed safely and explained clearly at Jade Mountain Health in Boulder for patients across the Front Range.

How do the Chinese medical practitioner determine what is out of balance?

The Chinese medical practitioner determines what is out of balance in the body by employing the four basic examinations. The first is questioning about one's signs and symptoms and taking into account the whole person health and family history. The second is by visually inspecting one's face, body and especially the tongue. The concentration is placed on the coating, color and any demarcations on the tongue. The third is by listening to one's voice and the sound of one's breathing as well as any odors emanating from their body or excretions. The fourth method is by palpation. They palpate various parts of the body and also take pulses on both sides of the wrists. Incorporating all four of these methods, the practitioner can determine the pattern of disharmony and rebalance the body.

How are rebalancing accomplished and what methods are used?

If the body has too much of something, where it may be heat or stuck energy, through the insertion of fine, thin, sterile stainless steel needles in selective points, the practitioner is able to move that energy or release the heat. Vice versa, if the body is deficient, where it may be cold or does not have good blood circulation, the practitioner can tonify the body through the same method. Acupuncture as well as moxibustion or herbs may be employed. In addition, Chinese practitioners may also used Tuina massage and they may prescribe preventative exercises like Tai Chi or Qi Gong. A strong emphasis on diet and lifestyle is also discussed. If the body has too much of something, where it may be heat or stuck energy, through the insertion of fine, thin, sterile stainless steel needles in selective points, the practitioner is able to move that energy or release the heat. Vice versa, if the body is deficient, where it may be cold or does not have good blood circulation, the practitioner can tonify the body through the same method. Acupuncture as well as moxibustion or herbs may be employed. In addition, Chinese practitioners may also used Tuina massage and they may prescribe preventative exercises like Tai Chi or Qi Gong. A strong emphasis on diet and lifestyle is also discussed.

What is Chinese herbal medicine—and when is it used?

Herbal medicine is the main modality in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is the world's oldest continually practiced, professional medicine. Its written history stretches back to over 2500 years and its practice is undoubtly much older than that. Chinese herbal medicine is quickly establishing itself as one of the most popular and effective alternative therapies in the West. Chinese herbal medicine pairs customized, clinic-grade formulas with acupuncture to target root patterns and speed recovery. At Jade Mountain Health in Boulder, Andrew commonly prescribes herbs for injury recovery and athletic performance, gastrointestinal disorders (IBS, reflux, bloating), fatigue and low resilience, anxiety and depression support, and seasonal allergies common across the Front Range. Formulas are tailored to your presentation, quality-tested, and adjusted as your symptoms change.