Over the course of several centuries, many principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine have gained prominence and relevance. Studies have been undertaken to ascertain their efficacy, and while many studies are inconclusive, several have concluded that principles expounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine do hold true, even if the reasoning behind these principles is not yet completely understood by modern medicine.
One such principle is Moxibustion. Moxibustion is a therapy prescribed under Traditional Chinese Medicine that requires the burning of dried leaves from plants, mainly Asian species of Mugwort. Moxibustion requires users to age the mugwort before grinding it into fluff; the practitioners then burn the fluff or process it further into a cigar-shaped stick. It can also be used indirectly, with acupuncture needles, or burned on the patient’s skin.
The use of moxibustion as a healing remedy seems to have reached the western world around the 16th century. Letters and reports from Portuguese missionaries in Japan during the 16th century AD, who referred to it as “botão de fogo” (fire button). Hermann Buschoff, a Dutch minister in Batavia, wrote the first western book on the subject in 1674, wherein he used the Japanese pronounciation “moguas”. However, as the u was not very clearly enunciated, he spelled it as “moxa”. This was eventually combined with the latin word “combustio” to give rise to the term “moxibustion”.
Moxibustion is used to stimulate the flow of energy throughout the body and dispel pathogenic influences. It has also been found to help with skin irritations. It has been likened to heat therapy, but has certain additional effects due to the medicinal properties of the mugwort. Moxibustion has been found to be very effective at countering arthritis pain that is exacerbated by the cold, as well as digestive problems.
Over the years, several studies have been conducted to examine the effects of moxibustion. The first study was conducted in 1927 in Japan by a physician named Hara Shimetarō. Since then, several studies have been conducted, many of which have reached positive conclusions regarding the benefits of moxibustion. However, detractors have been quick to accuse such studies of bias, claiming that the studies are of low quality. Given, however, that there is no negative effect associated with the technique, people have been more than willing to try it, with many noting the positive effects once they do so.
At Yinyang, we follow principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine to provide you with natural and holistic healing remedies. Our goal is to heal your whole body, not just a particular area of discomfort.
To experience Moxibustion, best massage in Dubai book an appointment or call 043588838.
