Moxibustion is used to treat emptiness or weakness, coldness, and pain. Just a few of the things it is used for include Bedwetting, The Common cold, Cough, Chronic stomach or intestinal diseases, Eczema – some types, Frozen shoulder, Impotence, Menstrual disorders, Pain, eg from ‘rheumatic‘ conditions (technically the term in TCM is ‘bi’, meaning ‘blockage’), Prolepses, Sciatica, Some kinds of chronic tiredness, Wheezing.
For some patients where acupuncture isn’t suitable, moxa may be ideal, and also on some parts of the body which don’t have acupuncture points that are easy or painless to use, such as around the fingers or toes, the palms and soles, or on bony places like the shoulders.
The turning of breech babies using moxibustion from week 33 onwards is a successful and natural method to avoid medical intervention. Moxibustion involves burning a fragrant herb in the form of a moxa stick over one acupuncture point on the feet to relax the muscles in the uterus allowing the baby to turn. It is extremely safe and relaxing