Hey guys, welcome to Learn Feng Shui podcast where ancient tradition meets modern living and each week we cover different aspect of Feng Shui or Chinese metaphysics. I'm Candice Berlanga, a certified Feng Shui practitioner and your host. Today we're going to be covering a little bit of Chinese medicine. We're going to talk a little bit about moxibustion. What is moxibustion?
Well, we're going to be covering that as well as of the uses in Chinese medicine, the benefits and everything in between. All right, guys, let's get into it. All right, well, let's just uh dive right into this guys. Moxibustion, what is it? Start here.
Moxibustion is actually a therapy uh from traditional Chinese medicine that uses heat to stimulate specific points on the body. It's kind of like targeting specific acupuncture points, but instead of needles, practitioners will burn a dried herb, usually a cone with mugwort inside of it near the skin to warm the area and support the body's natural functions. In Chinese medicine, it's not just about the heat though. It's also used to move qi and blood and to warm the body when there's too much cold or stagnation. So, if something isn't flowing the way it should be, moxibustion is one way practitioners can help restore that movement.
Even though it's used a lot alongside acupuncture, moxibustion has its own long history and very distinct role in Chinese medicine and is often used by itself. Where does it come from? Obviously China. It's part of a larger system of traditional Chinese medicine and has been developing for thousands of years. Its origins go back to a time before modern tools when people relied on what was available in their environment.
So, in colder northern regions of China, exposure to cold and damp conditions is a big concern and over time people really began noticing that heat, especially burning certain plants, could help relieve pain, improve their circulation, and restore warmth to the body. One of the earliest and most important texts in Chinese medicine, the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic, mentions that heat therapy was used as a way to treat illness, especially conditions associated with cold and deficiency. This is showing us that moxibustion wasn't just a folk remedy or something people use what I like to call willy-nilly. It really was studied and recorded and even tried to be systematized or like documented very early on in its use. Over time, the practice became more refined, though of course practitioners identified specific points on the body, now what we call acupuncture points.
They began applying heat to the exact locations on the body to target it more precisely. Eventually, moxibustion and acupuncture developed side by side, often used together, but each has its own purpose. So, some historians actually believe that moxibustion may have developed earlier than acupuncture, since controlled fire would have been more accessible than metal needles in ancient times. Even the word moxibustion, you know, what is it? Kind of sounds complicated, right?
But it actually comes from a mix of languages and traditions. The moxa part comes from the Japanese language, mogusa, which refers to a dried herb in the practice, mugwort, specifically artemisia vulgaris. Over time, mogusa was shortened to moxa and the practice was introduced to the West. The second part, bustion, comes from the Latin word combusto, meaning to burn. So, when you put them together, it moxibustion literally means burning moxa.
So, that's where that word comes from. There are a few different ways moxibustion is practiced and they all center kind of around the same idea though by using controlled heat to stimulate specific points of the body. And like I've already mentioned, uh the most common methods though kind of fall into two main categories. Direct moxibustion, this is the more traditional method. The small amount of moxa made from the mugwort is placed directly on the skin and then lit.
This was done in two different ways or variations, I guess. Uh non-scarring the moxa will be removed before it burns the skin and then they would scar the skin on some in some cases and the moxa is allowed to burn down fully creating a small blister or scar. Non-scarring is much more common. The scarring was used to one mark the acupuncture point and then I think burning it down was a part of the Chinese medicine also, but I couldn't find much information on that one. Indirect moxibustion, the second method is indirect.
This is what we see now especially outside clinical settings. Instead of placing moxa directly on the skin, there's some form of barrier or distance. And this can include like holding a lit moxa stick like a burning incense near the skin. It can also be done by placing moxa on top of something, usually ginger, garlic, or salt. And the last, using tools or devices that keep the heat controlled and indirect.
The method of course reduces the risk of burn while delivering that warmth still. So, think of it of like placing something directly on a flame and warm or warming it nearby. The goal is heat, it's just applied in different ways. The goal is still to use the heat, but just applying it differently. So, now what is moxibustion used for?
In Chinese medicine, treatments aren't usually chosen based on a single disease. Instead, they're usually used uh they're based on patterns within the body and how the system is functioning, not just what symptom is showing up. They don't treat symptoms in Chinese medicine. They treat organs and deficiencies. A common pattern that moxibustion can be used for is cold in the body since you're applying heat, right?
A deficiency, low energy, or weakened function, and stagnation, which is things not moving properly, pain, tension, sluggish flow. And then cold patterns, cold hands, feet, feeling better with warmth, digestion that is real slow and improves with hot or warm foods. Overall, just a cold feeling in the body. And apparently, this is one of the most common reasons moxibustion is used when the body just feels cold, slowed down, sluggish. A deficiency pattern would be things like fatigue, low energy, burnt out, weak digestion, weak overall function.
It's not that something's wrong, it's that a system is depleted. And then what's called stagnation, which is tight muscles, pain, discomfort that doesn't move or resolve easily. A feeling like being stuck, like if you've ever had a TMJ, which is your jaw, sticking, then that's what that would be like. So, usually it's used when things aren't flowing the way they should. So, when you really look at it though, these patterns are usually used to describe yin and yang balance in Chinese medicine.
So, more specifically, especially cold deficiencies are associated with what's called lack of yang, meaning the body doesn't have enough warmth, movement, or functional activity. Remember fire is yang. So, yin and yang are Remember, they're two forces that show up in different ways in your body. Yin is the cooling, nourishing, restorative side. It helps your body rest, rebuild, stay grounded.
Yang is the warming, active, and functional side, which keep things moving, digested, energized. So, when something's off balance, yin or yang can either be weak or not functioning enough. There can be excesses of these yin and yang. So, qualities like hot, cold, heavy in your body. We kind of talked about some of the yin symptoms, which is used to treat, but when the yang is excessive or unchecked, it often shows up like heat rising or becoming stuck.
On the episode, I talked about hair and hair growth. If your head feels very hot, then that is a symptom of excessive yang. Inflammation, redness, irritability, restlessness, if you can't sleep, feel like you're wired, but you can't focus, you just feel like jittery, but you can't seem to direct the energy, headaches, pressure, dry mouth, or being very thirsty are all symptoms of yang energy versus the yin, which is usually used with moxibustion, cooling, rest, nourishment. Yin is also necessary and healthy, but the imbalance can feel like heaviness, sluggishness, being very cold. So, remember yin's not bad, it's just there needs to be a balance between the two.
So, moxibustion is not typically used for those heat or overactive conditions, usually used when there's that cold or deficient yin energy. So, that's the difference between the two, especially if there's that lack of yang. So, in other words, it's just used to add warmth and support, not it won't reduce heat in any way because you're adding heat, so it wouldn't take that away. If somebody already has too much heat or an overactive condition, moxibustion wouldn't be used for them because that that would intensify it, not balance it. So, also, moxibustion doesn't really turn the yin into yang, you know, instead it's used when yang is weak.
So, when the body doesn't have enough warmth or is not able to function correctly, it helps support and restore the warming aspect to your system. So, it moxibustion can be used when something feels stuck, like I talked about muscle tension, joint pain, even menstrual discomfort. The heat helps move encourage movement. So, instead of things being stagnant, they start to flow. It can support your digestive and your yang energy.
It's a lot of times used to strengthen what's called the yang energy. Help with digestive weakness, low appetite, or even fatigue and burnout. One of the widely talked about uses today, honestly, is pretty cool. Turning breech babies late in pregnancy. So, practitioners apply moxibustion to specific point near the toe to encourage movement.
So, that's just a kind of a cool example of how this old technique can be used in a modern context. Moxibustion is going to be used anytime your body needs warmth, movement, or a little extra support to function the way it needs to. And although a mugwort is safe to burn in a moxibustion stick around you while you're pregnant, it is not recommended that you ingest mugwort while you're pregnant. I'm going to focus more on the health benefits of ingesting mugwort and the herb itself. From verywellhealth.com, the health benefits of mugwort.
So, mugwort has been used for centuries to help with pregnancy, menstrual-related issues, and is believed to have various health benefits, including pain relief, supporting liver health, easing muscle cramps, and improving digestion. Mugwort may have antibacterial and antifungal properties, also. The health benefits of mugwort come from its rich chemical makeup with essential oils and various natural components that include artemisin and camphor. However, mugwort supplements may not be right for everybody, especially those who are pregnant or those who are allergic to ragweed. It can cause uterine contractions and a possible miscarriage.
So, please don't do that while pregnant. Um there's a lot of herbs and people assume herbs are safe because they're herbal, but there's actually a lot you cannot take while pregnant to keep that pregnancy intact. So, you got to be you got to be safe, guys. Potential health benefits here. In some regions, mugwort's cultivated for their herbal medicine for use in herbal medicine.
It may offer benefits such as stress release, increased energy levels, increased sleep or improved sleep, itch relief, enhanced blood circulation, headache relief, support for your liver health, better digestion, insect repelling properties, relief for muscle aches, regulation of menstrual cycles, and increased urine output. Fun fact here, Roman soldiers used to put a mugwort in their shoes to ward off fatigue, and St. John the Baptist was said to wear wear a girdle of mugwort to relieve stomach pain. Can be used topically also. Currently, there's limited scientific evidence to support the use of mugwort for preventing or treating medical conditions.
However, it's frequently used for the absence of periods, hence why you can't use while pregnant, anxiety, chronic fatigue, colic, constipation, depression, eczema, diarrhea, epilepsy, headaches and migraines, insomnia, nausea, or vomiting. In TCM, mugwort is used in the practice of moxibustion that involves rolling mugwort into sticks or cones, igniting them, and then waving them over the parts of the body. It is thought to enhance effects of acupuncture. And 2022 study suggests moxibustion may offer benefits in treating IBS with diarrhea, that's irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. Further research is needed, it says though.
Here it talks about the active components. The above ground parts of the mugwort plant are used to produce essential oils, and the oil contains compounds such as camphor, pinene, and cineole, which are believed to have antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Artemisinin, a chemical found in the root, stem, and leaves, and flowers of the mugwort, is said to cause mild uterine contractions when ingested, promoting regular menstrual periods. In Chinese medicine, it's occasionally used to induce labor. Do not do that on your own.
There's better, safer options for that. Artemisinin may have anti-cancer properties, although the research is required to understand the potential effects. Mugwort has leaves between 2 to 4 in long with soft gray or white hairs on the underside. Their deeply lobed leaves look similar to those of chrysanthemums and ragweed seedlings. However, mugwort has a a distinctive sage-like smell that others lack.
Mugwort is considered an invasive species in some areas and it grows so fast that it's illegal to grow in some states. To avoid potential heavy fines, check with state and local regulations before cultivating mugwort. Well, there goes my plans for the summer. Guess the mugwort's off my list here. I'll have to check its legality in Texas.
Uh mugwort, it's generally safe to use for people. Side effects, again, not in pregnancy, could cause uterine contractions and bleeding. Also not recommended for children or while you're feeding. While some psychoactive herbs can cause hallucinations, mugwort's unlikely to do so. Some people use mugwort to lucid dream or to influence dreams, but benefits are not proven.
I have heard you can smoke it, too. I will pass on that one. It doesn't sound appealing to me. Because it's related to ragweed though, those who are allergic to ragweed may be allergic to mugwort as well. People allergic to celery, birch, or carrots should be cautious with mugwort because of its link to allergies.
Which symptoms could include itching, hives, mouth tingling, swollen lips. You know, a typical allergic reactions though. Mugwort's used in cooking to flavor foods, beverages, including meats, fish, desserts, pancakes, soups, salads, and more. Mugwort was used in Europe to flavor beer before hops were discovered. You can buy mugwort online and in drugstores, natural food stores, and herbalist shops, including the one I work at.
It comes in many forms, including extracts, tinctured, whole dried leaves, powders, essential oils, and supplements. So, there's not really a recommended dose in any form. Mugwort supplements may be safest when the dose is controlled, which would be to take a supplement with a recommended dose on it. So, you know, when you're foraging for mugwort to make essential oils, be sure to harvest the plant when it's starting to bloom. This is when the flower contains the most potent oil.
Your health care provider or pharmacist may be able to give you guidance about herbal products like mugwort, so talk to them before starting any medicinal therapies using mugwort. All right, guys. Well, hope you enjoyed learning something new today. Hopefully, you enjoyed hearing a little bit about the history, where it comes from, what it is, and how it's used, as well as the learning about the herb mugwort. All right, guys.
Well, again, hopefully, you enjoyed today's episode. If you have any questions, message me info@learnfengshui.com, and I'll catch you guys next time.