Moxibustion (Moxa) Therapy
in Brisbane

moxibustion Therapy

Moxibustion Brisbane

Moxibustion is a method of creating localised warmth over the tissues, traditionally involving burning the herb mugwort. In Chinese language the word for acupuncture is written as the two character word: 針灸 (zhēn jiǔ). The literal translation of the characters are 針 (zhēn) with means needle, and 灸 (jiǔ) which means moxibustion. So it can be seen that moxibustion has always been inextricably linked with the historical tradition of acupuncture.

At Bowen Hills Acupuncture and Remedial Therapies, we offer smokeless moxibustion services in Brisbane, offering a less pungent experience compared to traditional methods.

The procedure aims to increase the local blood circulation and ultimately create balance within the body. Moxibustion is used with many acute injuries and chronic disorders, such as arthritis, painful conditions and digestive issues. The heat from the burning mugwort penetrates deeply into the body’s tissues, promoting relaxation and alleviating pain.

If you want to experience the benefits of moxibustion from trained practitioners, then contact Bowen Hills Acupuncture and Remedial Therapies today.

What is Moxibustion Used For?

Moxibustion has a range of benefits for patients dealing with certain pain-related conditions.

Pain Relief

Moxibustion offers a plethora of benefits that contribute to both short-term relief and long-term health. One of its main potential advantages is for  alleviating various forms of pain. Whether it’s muscle or joint discomfort, arthritis, or menstrual cramps, the heat generated through moxibustion enhances blood circulation and relaxes muscles. This helps to reduce  pain,discomfort and tension, making it a sought-after treatment for those dealing with chronic or acute conditions.

Blood Circulation

Blood circulation is another crucial area where moxibustion may help. The technique uses heat to dilate blood vessels, promoting increased blood flow to targeted areas. Improved circulation not only helps in healing of injuries but also encourages overall wellness. With better blood flow, nutrients and oxygen are more efficiently distributed throughout the body, creating an optimal environment for healing and health maintenance.

Supporting Immune Function

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, cold is seen as a disruptive force that can lead to blockages and stagnation within the body. These disruptions can, in turn, result in disease and disharmony. Moxibustion aims to tackle these issues by dispelling the pathogenic cold and fortifying the body’s natural defences against such invasions. By doing so, it helps in maintaining a balanced internal environment conducive to good health.

Stress Reduction

Lastly, moxibustion may assist with stress reduction. Much like its close cousin acupuncture, the practice taps into specific acupoints to stimulate the nervous system. . The warming sensation created through the burning of mugwort offers a calming effect that reduces stress and induces relaxation. It’s this blend of physiological and psychological benefits that makes moxibustion a comprehensive therapy for enhancing well-being on multiple fronts.

Ken Haydock

Our Brisbane Moxibustion Therapist

Our moxibustion therapist at Bowen Hills Acupuncture and Remedial Therapies, Ken, is exceptionally skilled, with a wealth of experience in the field. Boasting 15 years of practice in moxibustion, he brings both knowledge and an eye for detail to every treatment session. With a Bachelor of Health Science in acupuncture, his extensive hands-on experience in moxibustion allows him to offer a holistic approach to patient care.

His long-standing involvement with moxibustion and acupuncture means he is adept at tailoring the treatment to meet individual health needs.

When you choose moxibustion treatment, prepare for an experience aimed at holistic well-being. The treatment usually begins with a consultation to identify your specific health concerns, followed by our therapist selecting the most suitable acupuncture points or larger areas for the moxibustion. When it comes to the actual moxibustion, you might feel a warm, tingling sensation as the mugwort burns near your skin, stimulating the targeted points.

Moxibustion may be used on almost any area of the body where warmth may be desirable. It is commonly used on acupuncture points to increase blood flow at that area or to add some “yang” energy to the body at that point. It may be used over larger areas of the body that may be negatively affected by cold or just to increase circulation in those areas. It is very commonly used on the lower back or lower abdominal areas as warmth at these locations is considered very beneficial in traditional Chinese medicine.

However, there are some areas where caution is exercised. The face and head are generally avoided due to their sensitive nature, reducing the risk of burns or discomfort. If you have heat-sensitive skin, it’s essential to inform the practitioner, as the heat generated by moxibustion may not be suitable for you. 

Lastly, if you have areas with reduced sensation, extreme care will be taken to ensure the heat isn’t causing any harm, since you may not be able to feel if the treatment is becoming too hot. Overall, the experience is both calming and therapeutic, designed to bring about optimal health benefits.

Moxibustion FAQs

How are acupuncture and moxibustion related?

Acupuncture and moxibustion are both traditional Chinese medicine practices that target specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. While acupuncture uses needles to activate these points, moxibustion employs heat from burning mugwort. They can be used independently or in combination to enhance treatment efficacy.

In Chinese language the word for acupuncture is written as the two character word:  (zhēn jiǔ). The literal translation of the characters are  (zhēn) with means needle, and  (jiǔ) which means moxibustion. So it can be seen that moxibustion has always been inextricably linked with the historical tradition of acupuncture.

What is the history of moxibustion?

Moxibustion originates from ancient China and has been practised for thousands of years. It’s a part of traditional Chinese medicine, often used alongside acupuncture.The use of moxibustion as a therapeutic method was described over 2000 years ago in the Chinese medical classic, the Huángdì Nèijīng (黃帝內經), and its use has spread to other East Asian countries over time.

What is moxibustion good for?

Moxibustion may be good  for people seeking pain relief, improved blood circulation, immune function enhancement, and stress reduction. It’s commonly used to treat people suffering from conditions such as  arthritis, muscle tension, and menstrual cramps. The warmth generated through burning mugwort helps relax muscles, increase blood flow, and promote a sense of well-being.

Location & Booking

Bowen Hills Acupuncture and Remedial Therapies is located on the first floor above Fortitude Barbell. We are open from Monday through to Saturday.

Find out if moxibustion is right for you by booking a consultation with our trained therapist at Bowen Hills Acupuncture and Remedial Therapies.

Make your booking online or get in touch with Ken on 0434 411 654

Bowen Hills is in the centre of Brisbane and can easily be accessed from the neighbouring suburbs Fortitude Valley, CBD, Newstead, Albion, Teneriffe, Newfarm, Herston, Windsor, Wilston, Lutwyche and Woolowin.

On-street parking is available.

Public transportation: Bowen Hills train station is a 5 min walk away (350 metres). 

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