Moxibustion
A pillar of MTO, moxibustion is a medical technique that allows specific points to be toned and warmed using mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), a plant found growing wild in most temperate countries.
Artemisia vulgaris
Mugwort is a plant said to be analogous to wormwood. Its main recognized properties are its tonic, febrifuge, antispasmodic, vermifuge, and stomachic effects. In infusion, it regulates the menstrual cycle during menopause. It is also used to treat urinary tract infections.
How to use
In practice, mugwort (vulgaris or annua) is dried and ground to be generally used in a cigar that is lit and whose incandescent end is brought close to an acupuncture point to be stimulated. It heats but does not burn. It is also possible to prepare cones placed either on the handle of an acupuncture needle, or on coarse salt or a slice of ginger which is itself placed directly on the patient's skin.
Mugwort has this fabulous property of burning relatively slowly while generating a significant amount of heat.
Moxa cigars emit smoke. Today, smokeless moxa sticks are available, but they are less effective. For the same reasons of convenience, traditional moxibustion is increasingly being replaced by heat lamps. These practical innovations should not make us forget the messages of the ancients, who consider the moxa stick an extension of the hand and mind of the Chinese physician.
Therapeutic indications of moxibustion
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Diseases related to the nervous system : neuralgia, convulsions, dizziness, insomnia, various neuroses;
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Diseases related to the motor and muscular system : arthritis, rheumatism, cervical disorders, lower back pain, fracture injury, etc.;
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Cardiovascular diseases : cardiological neurosis, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, hypotension, shortness of breath, etc.;
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Respiratory diseases : bronchitis, asthma, colds and prevention of diseases related to the pulmonary system;
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Gastrointestinal diseases : gastritis, dyspepsia, diarrhea, constipation, hepatitis, hemorrhoids, etc.;
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Metabolic disorders : diabetes, gout, anemia, etc., overweight;
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Gynecological disorders : breast pain, leukorrhea, menstrual pain, infertility or sexual disorders such as impotence or premature ejaculation;
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Disorders due to chemotherapy treatment for cancer ;
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Childhood disorders ...