Moxibustion
Overview
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that involves burning dried mugwort (Artemisia argyi) on particular points of the body. The purpose is to stimulate the flow of qi (vital energy) and improve blood circulation to treat various health conditions. This ancient practice has been used for thousands of years in China and other East Asian countries as part of acupuncture treatment or as a standalone therapy.
History
The history of moxibustion dates back to ancient China. The character "灸" (jiǔ) for moxibustion was first mentioned in existing literature in the Zhuangzi ("The Robber Zhi" chapter). However, the original character was "久" (jiǔ), meaning "long time" or "to burn." This is evidenced in Qin dynasty bamboo slips from Yunmeng, Hubei, discovered in 1975, where "久" was used to describe burn marks.
The practice likely originated after humans mastered fire. Yuanmou people in Yunnan used fire 1.7 million years ago, while Lantian people in Shaanxi had evidence of fire usage 1 million years ago. By 500,000 years ago, people at Zhoukoudian had mastered fire preservation. The Zhuangzi ("External Things" chapter) mentions "wood rubbing against wood produces fire," while Yishi ("Ancient Times" chapter) records how the ancient Suiren drilled wood to create fire, teaching people to cook food.
Initially, various materials were used for moxibustion, including pine, cypress, bamboo, orange, elm, trifoliate orange, mulberry, and jujube. However, Hama Classic of the Yellow Emperor noted that eight types of wood were unsuitable for moxibustion as they could harm the body. Among these, mulberry moxibustion was still used later, while moxibustion with locust wood was effective for treating sores. Eventually, mugwort (艾叶, ài yè) became the preferred material due to its remarkable therapeutic effects.
By the Western Zhou dynasty (1046-771 BCE), moxibustion was already in use. The Book of Songs ("Picking Mugwort" poem) mentions "彼采艾兮" (bǐ cǎi ài xī - "they gather mugwort"), with Mao Heng and Mao Ruan's commentary explaining that "艾所以疗疾" (ài suǒ yǐ liáo jí - "mugwort is used to treat diseases").
Key Information
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 艾灸 (Ài jiǔ) |
| Also Known As | 灸法 (jiǔ fǎ) - "burning method" |
| Materials | Dried mugwort (Artemisia argyi) |
| Medical Field | Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Department | Traditional Chinese Medicine Department |
| Classification | Direct moxibustion, Indirect moxibustion, Moxa stick moxibustion, Moxibustion box |
Cultural Significance
Moxibustion holds significant cultural importance in traditional Chinese medicine and East Asian healing practices. The Mencius ("Li Lou" chapter) states: "今之欲王音，犹七年之病，求三年之艾也" (jīn zhī yù wáng yīn, yóu qī nián zhī bìng, qiú sān nián zhī ài yě - "Those who wish to achieve their goals today should seek the three-year-aged mugwort, just as one would for a seven-year illness." This illustrates the high value placed on properly aged mugwort for effective treatment.
In ancient times, moxibustion was considered essential for maintaining health and preventing disease. Folk sayings like "若要身体安，三里常不干" (ruò yào shēntǐ ān, sān lǐ cháng bù gān - "If you want the body to be peaceful, keep Sanli always moist [with moxibustion]") emphasize its importance in health maintenance.
Modern Status
Today, moxibustion continues to be practiced alongside acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine clinics worldwide. It has evolved into two main forms: traditional moxibustion and modern moxibustion.
Traditional moxibustion uses direct burning of moxa cones or sticks on the skin or with various间隔物 (jiàng gé wù - "separating materials"). While effective, it has drawbacks including smoke, fire hazards, and requiring skilled practitioners.
Modern moxibustion has developed various innovations to address these issues:
- Smokeless moxa: Modified moxa materials that produce less smoke
- Electric moxibustion devices: Devices that simulate moxibustion heat without burning materials
- Moxa boxes: Containers that hold burning moxa sticks, allowing safer application
- Indirect moxibustion: Using various materials like ginger, garlic, salt, or aconite between the moxa and skin
Modern research has begun to explore the mechanisms behind moxibustion's effects, including its impact on blood circulation, immune function, and pain relief. However, moxibustion still faces challenges including standardization of techniques, quality control of moxa materials, and integration with evidence-based medicine.
References
- Maciocia, G. (2015). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text (3rd ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Unschuld, P. U. (2003). Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen: Nature, Knowledge, Imagery in an Ancient Chinese Medical Text. University of California Press.
- Kim, J. H., Lee, H., Lee, H., Ha, J. H., & Lee, H. (2017). Moxibustion: A Traditional Asian Medicine for Modern Use. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 1-9.
- Stux, G., & Pomeranz, B. (2003). Acupuncture: Textbook and Atlas. Springer.
- Li, Y., Wang, C., Liu, J., & Zhang, X. (2012). A Review of the Research Progress on Moxibustion. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, 10(1), 1-8.