Moxibustion (Jui Fa)

The term “moxa” is derived from the Portuguese word mechia, or the Japanese word mogusa (a variety of mugwort); it first came to use in the west around 1677. 

Moxibustion is probably the most ancient form of therapy in China; where references to it have been found in the Treatise on Moxibustion of the Eleven Vessels of Yin & Yang, found in the tomb of Ma Wang Dui.  This precedes Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine) 600 and 300 BCE, by a thousand years.

The Chinese word for moxa, Jui, means to burn.  In China, the term Jin Jui (acupuncture and moxa) is often used when referring to acupuncture, indicating that they are part and parcel with each other. Moxa is used to stimulate the acupuncture points by combustion of different materials, to regulate the physiological activity of the body.

We typically use the raw unprocessed form of mugwort (Artemsia Vulgaris) or a smokeless (charcoal) version at our clinic for chronic conditions that respond well to heat.  This may include sciatica, headaches, digestive disorders, back pain, neck and shoulder pain, and nerve pain.

Yi Xue Ru Men:

Moxa should be used on conditions which do not respond to medication or acupuncture.

(B. Auteroche, 1992), Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Churchill Livingston, 75, 77)