How to do moxibustion at home for immune system support

In the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic, everyone everywhere is looking for more ways to boost their immune system function. One of our favorite ways? Moxibustion! Chinese medicine practitioners the world over are using moxibustion to boost immune system function right now.

Moxibustion is the practice of using herbs to create a warming effect on the skin. One of the most common ways is burning the herb mugwort (aka ai ye 艾叶 or Artemesia argyi folium) over the surface of the skin to introduce a deeply warming, moving, supportive energy to the body. Moxibustion is used for lots of things, like pain, digestion, fertility and reproductive system issues, immune system support, allergies and sinus issues, fatigue, the list goes on. In East and Southeast Asian cultures, it’s very common that people use moxibustion at home for general health. The most common way that many patients would use moxa at home here in the U.S. is with a moxa pole. Moxa poles come in two forms - smoky or smokeless. The smoky pole produces more smoke, more aroma, and is easier to light. The smokeless moxa has undergone a charcoal process to produce a stick that produces less smoke, making it ideal for use at home - but it lights a little more slowly.

One of the best points for boosting immunity with moxibustion is Zusanli Stomach-36. From a Chinese medicine perspective, moxibustion on this point increases vitality, supports immune and digestive system function, tonifies qi and blood, and improves energy. Research has shown moxibustion on this point actually increases white blood cell count, which helps your body fight infection. Cool, huh?

In this video, Kim describes how moxibustion supports your health, shares important safety considerations so you don’t burn yourself or start a fire, and demonstrates how to do moxibustion at home! Moxa poles can be purchased through our clinic’s Emerson Wellevate account, as well as many online retailers and some food coops and herb shops. If you buy something through our link you won't pay a single cent more, but we'll get a small commission that helps keep the content flowing.

How to do moxibustion:

Before using moxa you will need to prepare the following:

1. A cigarette lighter or candle

2. A small ceramic or glass dish to place any ash in that may form on the moxa stick during treatment

3. A small towel to place under the area being treated in case any ash is dropped

4. A glass screw-top jar to with a layer of rice or salt in the bottom to extinguish the moxa when the treatment is finished

5. A small glass of water - just in case something starts on fire! Safety first.

6. We suggest opening a window, or turning on a fan, to help circulate air while doing moxibustion. Moxa can be smoky and aromatic. If you have asthma or another lung condition, please use caution when burning moxa, as it may irritate your lungs. 

How to use the moxa stick:

1. Simply light one end with a cigarette lighter or hold over a candle. With smokeless moxa it may take several minutes to light but when the stick is correctly lit, you will be able to hold the lit end two to three centimeters from the back of your hand and feel  a pleasant radiating warmth.

2. Hold the lit end of the stick over the area to be treated, maintaining a distance of at least two to three centimeters so that there is never any direct contact with the skin.

3. Move the moxa stick slowly, in small circles, over the area being treated, this will begin to feel pleasantly warm. To avoid burns, monitor the heat levels closely and ash the pole onto the heat resistant bowl/plate regularly. Use for 5-10 minutes on each side, alternating between left and right legs as the skin becomes warm.

4. Any ash that forms on the end of the stick can be gently brushed off by using the edge of the small dish, so that the moxa stick remains hot. If you suspect there is no longer any heat coming off the moxa stick, check by holding it two to three centimeters away from the back of your hand. Re-light if there is no radiating warmth.

5. Never touch the lighted end of a moxa stick even if it no longer appears to be glowing.

6. When treatment has finished place the moxa stick in a glass jar lined with dry rice to prevent the heat cracking the glass bottom. When the lid is screwed on firmly the moxa stick is deprived of oxygen and cannot continue to burn. If you do not have a large enough jar to fully cover the pole, take care in fully snuffing out the end of the pole in the rice/salt, or just by pressing it firmly against a heat-resistant surface. Alternatively, the lit tip of the pole can be run under water, and left to dry until the next use. The moxa stick can then be re-lit for repeated treatments.

How to find Stomach-36:

St-36 is located four finger widths below the knee, near the outer edge of the shin. St-36 is incredibly nourishing and energizing, and is one of the most commonly utilized acupoints. There is a story in TCM lore that regular stimulation of this acupoint allowed ancient Chinese soldiers to walk an extra three miles. Whether or not the story is true, this point is appropriate for anyone anytime to increase vitality, support immune and digestive system function, tonify qi and blood, and improve energy.

To locate this point:

• Stomach-36 is located on your shin, a few inches below your knee.

• Measure four of the patient’s finger widths down from the bottom edge of the knee cap.

• The point is at this level, one finger width out from the height of the shin bone. The point might feel slightly sensitive.

Are you a more of a visual learner? Check out this video by Amy on Instagram for more instructions on locating St-36!

Please note: Please use caution when doing moxibustion at home. It is possible to burn yourself using moxibustion. If you do get a burn, please keep the area clean, covered, and avoid breaking any blisters that may form. Seek medical care from your primary healthcare provider if you have concerns about any burns you may receive as a result of doing moxibustion. Moxibustion is a fire hazard; do not leave a burning moxa stick unmonitored, and make sure the stick is fully extinguished at the end of a treatment.

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*The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Constellation Acupuncture & Healing Arts and Kim Christensen LAc are not liable for injuries or damages that may occur as a result of doing moxibustion yourself at home.

Gua Sha: what it is, what it does, and why it feels awesome

Gua sha is the practice of press-stroking or scraping the surface of the skin to produce intentional redness and petechiae, known as “sha”. It’s also known as scraping, spooning, kerokan, or coining. Gua sha is an ancient practice rooted in Chinese medicine and culture, treasured for its versatility and powerful healing impact. In much of south and east Asia, therapies like this are a common form of folk medicine, often performed among family members for ailments of all kinds. From a Chinese medicine perspective, when things become stuck, pain and dysfunction result. Gua sha moves what is stuck, resolves pain, and improves function. Gua sha has beneficial anti-inflammatory and immune system protective effects, helps prevent and treat acute infectious illness, reduces pain, treats acute and chronic musculoskeletal issues, and supports internal medicine concerns like digestive or respiratory disorders. More gentle gua sha techniques can be performed on the skin of the face to encourage a bright, smooth, and lifted complexion. When done properly, gua sha is very comfortable and safe.

In recent years, gua sha has become popular in the mainstream. Gua sha tools and appropriated techniques have become a hot commodity in the beauty industry. Many chiropractors and physical therapists practice Graston Technique for muscle pain and tension, a system derived from from gua sha techniques. Because gua sha is a therapeutic intervention, it is best to receive gua sha treatment and learn gua sha techinques from a trained Chinese medicine provider.

What can gua sha treat?

Gua sha can be used for a variety of concerns, such as....

• preventing the onset of colds and reducing fever

• asthma, chest congestion, chest tightness

• breaking up scar tissue from injuries or surgeries

• tight muscles and "knots" anywhere in the body

• promoting lymph fluid circulation and detoxification

• plantar fasciitis pain and tension

• supporting digestion and promoting regular bowel movements

• general wellness and preventative care

• when performed with light, non-marking pressure on the skin of the face, it encourages movement and drainage of mucous from the sinuses, moves lymphatic fluid, reduces puffiness, sculpts the tissues, and supports a vibrant, smooth complexion

What does gua sha feel like? Does it hurt?

Gua sha feels like firm, steady, stroking pressure against the skin. During a treatment, the skin is lubricated with oil to ensure a smooth, easy glide. Everyone’s tolerance for gua sha varies. Some people love firm pressure, while other people do best with very light pressure. Light pressure usually feels extremely soothing. When medium to firm pressure is applied, it feels like a deep massage, and can occasionally “hurt so good”, but should never be painful. The intensity of pressure is guided based on what is most appropriate for your symptoms, and what feels best for you. Gua sha performed on the skin of the face and the front and sides of the neck is very gentle to protect the delicate skin and structures of these areas.

What are gua sha tools made of?

Essentially, anything with a smooth edge that you can easily hold on to can be a gua sha tool.

In folk healing traditions, gua sha might be done with a porcelain soup spoon or a coin - it’s called “coining” in some regions for a reason! There are also an abundance of manufactured gua sha tools in a variety of shapes in sizes, made from materials like stone, bone, horn, plastic, or metal. In the clinic, we often use disposable jar lids, porcelain soup spoons, or stone tools.

Is gua sha safe?

Although the red color of “sha” can be surprising the first time you see it, when done appropriately the practice of gua sha is safe and non-invasive, and can be used on patients of all ages. Gua sha may not be appropriate for everyone, however - read on!

What are the contraindications (reasons not to get gua sha)?

• If you are very weak, are dealing with a prolonged disease, or have low blood pressure, you may be able to receive gua sha, but it would be gentle treatment and you should give yourself plenty of time to rest afterward

• If you have a bleeding disorder or taking blood thinners, gua sha treatments may or may not be appropriate, depending on your unique situation

• Pregnant people should not receive gua sha on the trapezius, low back, sacrum, or abdomen

• Gua sha should not be done on areas of severely dry/flaky, infected, broken, sunburned, burned, inflamed skin, acne, or cysts

• Gha sha should not be performed on areas of edema, ascites, or swelling

• Gua sha should not be performed over broken bones, herniated discs, dislocations

• People should not receive gua sha if experiencing severe health conditions such as cardiac failure, renal failure, liver failure

How often do I need gua sha?

That depends entirely on your body and your situation. Acute or short-term symptoms tend to resolve more quickly than long-term symptoms. We have some patients who come every week for treatments involving gua sha, while some patients only get it once a month or once a seasons. Because it has a cumulative effect, for chronic issues we recommend coming weekly for 4-6 treatments including gua sha, acupuncture, and other modalities to get the best results, then re-evaluating.

If you had a recent treatment with marking gua sha, please wait for the sha to completely fade before performing gua sha again on that same area.

Gentle facial gua sha can be performed daily if done properly.

How do I take care of myself after receiving gua sha?

Avoid exposure to the wind, drafts, direct sun, and cold for at least 24 hours, preferably until the sha is gone! Keep the area well covered and warm.

If activity has been reduced due to pain or stiffness, and feels better after gua sha, build up the activity level slowly to prevent re-injury and to rebuilt strength and mobility.

Avoid large quantities of cold, sour, or salty foods and drinks after gua sha treatment. From a Chinese dietary therapy perspective, cold stagnates and congeals the qi, worsening pain! Sour foods contribute to nervousness and increase pain conditions. Salty foods can also worsen pain by increasing swelling and puffiness.

How do I schedule, or learn how to do gua sha myself?

At the clinic, gua sha can be included in acupuncture appointments as appropriate for the patient and their chief concerns. Your provider will help determine if gua sha is right for you during appointment!

To perform gua sha on yourself safely and effectively, it is best to learn from a trained Chinese medicine practitioner. We love educating our patients on how they can do gua sha themselves as part of their own self-care routine! If this is something you’re interested in, ask about it at your next treatment.

We also strongly recommend the gua sha educational tutorials and traditional Chinese facial tools from Dr. Paige Yang, LAc of Yang Face.

Source:
Nielsen, A. (2014). Gua sha: : A Traditional Technique for Modern Practice. London: Elsevier Health Sciences UK.

*The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.