What is Moxa?
An acupuncturist sticks pieces of burning plant roots on my shins and the bottoms of my feet to help calm my back pain and anxiety — it's a practice called moxibustion, and it's my favorite form of self-care.
If you're unfamiliar with the technique, moxibustion is the warming and stimulating of acupuncture points using moxa, a dried Asian herb derived from the mugwort root, and is often incorporated into acupuncture sessions. The 2,000-year-old practice can improve the circulation of blood flow and Qi (what is believed to be one's life force or energy), as well as aid in relieving pain, fatigue, anxiety, infertility, and digestive disorders.
Although moxa comes in many forms, from balms to incense to cones, acupuncturists uses stick-on moxa, which looks as though the end of a cigarette was placed on a small metal bolt, so it stands up straight. My acupuncturist sticks one onto the center of each of my shins and one at the bottom of both my feet. She then lights the ends and lets them burn down towards my skin.
Once lit, the moxa sticks can cause slight pain in the literal heat of the moment. The root is on fire, so you feel a burning sensation as it shortens toward your skin — but it's worth it. Trust the process. It shouldn't actually burn your skin, so always speak up if it gets too painful.
Moxa is placed on the bottom of your feet to warm the Kidney 1 acupuncture point, a calming and nourishing point that helps ease the spirit of the body, ground the patient, and pull out inflammation.
Within the first few seconds of the five-minute practice, the earthy, sage-like smell of the burning root fills the room, and you feel a wave of relaxation come over your body. This elevated state of relaxation lasts for a few hours after a acupuncture session.
Moxa is very powerful and drying, so it's important to use sparingly. Although you can partake on your own, it's wise to learn best practices from a certified acupuncturist first, as moxibustion therapy varies from person-to-person depending on what needs to be remedied.
Source: I Tried Moxibustion, and It Calmed My Anxiety and Back Pain Immediately
Written by Lauren Pardee for Popsugar