Moxibustion, or moxa, is one of the many modalities that is used within a Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic. Moxibustion involves burning the mugwort leaf (Ai Ye, Artemisiae Argyi Folium) near the surface of the skin as a way to drive heat deeply into the body. Other therapeutic properties of mugwort include: staunching excessive menstrual, uterine, and vaginal bleeding in women; alleviating pain, due to borneol, an active analgesic component found in mugwort; treating infertility that is due to a cold womb; and, when burned near the skin via moxibustion, mugwort successfully flips breeched babies into normal head-down position before childbirth.
Benefits of Moxibustion
Moxibustion, in particular, can be used to strengthen the immune system to ward off illnesses. It warms the channels throughout the body to promote blood circulation and decrease pain. Moxibustion is especially useful for pain that is caused by exposure to cold or damp weather, which is common in many cases of arthritis.
Moxa Season
Moxa season consists of the time when the Ming Men, or life gate, is wide open. The Ming Men is the root of Qi, or energy, within our body. There is a fire that burns within the Ming Men, known as the ministerial fire. This fire aids in digestion, immune system regulation, and general homeostatic functions. When this fire burns out, the person ceases to live.
Moxa season occurs four times a year at the transition of every season. Since heat isn’t usually desired in the warmer months, the best time to take advantage of moxa season are the seasonal transitions between fall and winter and again between winter and spring.
Benefits of Participating in Moxa Season
Normally, the Ming Men is well protected, and the gate is closed. However, during the transition of the seasons, when we have direct access to the Ming Men, we’re able to bolster our immune system, strengthen our constitution, and reverse chronic health conditions. We are also able to heal on a much deeper, more profound way during this time.
Moxa Season: The Details
When:
Transition between fall and winter: The entire 4 weeks of November.
The Ming Men is officially open on November 7th or 8th for two weeks, but will begin opening one week prior and one week after this time.
Transition between winter and spring: Opening date is January 29, 2023, and is officially closed by February 26, 2023.
The opening date for this transition is always one week after the Lunar New Year. This year, in 2023, the Lunar New Year is Sunday, January 22nd, so the Ming Men will begin to open on January 29th. The Ming Men will officially be open for two weeks from February 5th until February 19th, and will spend a week closing until February 26th.
Where to Put the Moxa Heat Pack:
The Ming Men is located in the center of the low back, so it is easiest to slide a moxa heat pack right under the waist (near the second lumbar vertebrae).
What You’ll Need:
Moxa heat packs, which can be purchased here, and a 100%-cotton towel or t-shirt. The moxa should not be applied directly on the skin, and you want to avoid heating up synthetic materials, so it is important that the buffer material is cotton.
Note: Each moxa heat pack will last for about 16 hours. After each use, store the moxa heat pack in a glass mason jar with the lid screwed on tight. This will extinguish the moxa heat pack, and allow for future uses. When you’re ready to reuse the moxa heat pack, simply shake the moxa heat pack to reignite it. Once shaking does not heat the pack back up, microwave the moxa heat pack for 10-15 seconds per use. This will lead to about 20 more uses, or until the moxa becomes clumpy.
Duration of Moxa Exposure:
Leave moxa in place for at least one hour per day during the month-long moxa seasons.
Additional Advice:
It is EXTREMELY important to avoid illness or exposure to chills during moxa season. When the Ming Men is open, you’re also more vulnerable to illness. Any illness that comes during this time can linger until the following moxa season, as it’s hard to get the chill out and fully recover. If you find yourself chilled to the bone, especially if you’re in the wind and cold, be sure to get in a scalding hot shower as quickly as possible, for as long as possible. Protect yourself from wind chills by using scarves, hats, and extra layers of clothing.