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Other common name(s):
acumoxa, auricular mo, moxabustion
Scientific/medical name(s):
none
DESCRIPTION
Moxibustion is the application of heat resulting from the
burning of a small bundle of tightly bound herbs, or moxa, to targeted
acupoints. It is used along with acupuncture (see Acupuncture).
OVERVIEW
Available scientific evidence does not support claims that moxibustion is effective in
preventing or treating cancer or any other disease. Oils from the herbs
used in moxibustion are dangerous if consumed.
How is it promoted for use?
Moxibustion is a practice of both traditional Chinese and
Tibetan medicine that stimulates acupoints in order to promote the
body's ability to heal itself (see Holistic
Medicine). Practitioners claim the radiant heat produced by
moxibustion penetrates deeply into the body, restoring the balance and
flow of vital energy or life force called qi (or chi).
Moxibustion is promoted for improving general health and
treating chronic conditions such as arthritis, digestive disorders,
ulcers, and for cancer.
What does it involve?
Moxibustion involves the burning of moxa, which is created by
gathering dried leaves from mugwort or wormwood plants and forming it
into a small cone or rolling it into a cigar-like shape (see Mugwort
and Wormwood).
The two main types of moxibustion are direct and indirect.
In its earliest uses, direct moxibustion was most often
applied over the acupuncture point, with the cone being placed directly
on the skin. However, this often produced pain and scarring. Some
Chinese traditions still deliberately induce scarring, although that
technique is not usually done in the United States.
Indirect moxibustion, most commonly used today, involves
either placing the cone on top of an acupuncture needle and burning it,
or applying heat to needle points from an electrical source. Other
practitioners hold the burning moxa above the skin for a few minutes,
or use a layer of ginger, garlic, or salt under the moxa. For people
who have asthma or respiratory problems, smokeless moxa can be used.
Other kinds of moxibustion include burnt match moxibustion,
in which the practitioner taps one or two auricular (ear) acupoints
rapidly with the head of a burnt match. Thread incense moxibustion
burns thin strips of moxa, and warm needle moxibustion involves the use
of needles which are heated by the practitioner with a match or
lighter.
What is the history behind it?
Moxibustion evolved thousands of years ago in early northern
China. It is part of traditional Chinese medical practices and came
about at the same time as acupuncture. In such a cold, mountainous
region, heating the body on energetically active points was thought to
be effective. Chinese medicine practitioners currently use moxibustion
in some parts of the United States.
What is the evidence?
A Chinese study of 230 women in the 1990s suggested that moxibustion may have helped some fetuses in breech (bottom first) return to a normal (head first) position before birth. In the study, 75% of the babies in the moxibustion group were born in the normal position, as opposed to 62% of those in the control group. Other studies have looked at this and had similar findings. Further information is needed to be sure of safety factors and find out whether outcomes are improved.
Other research in China has examined the use of moxibustion in asthma and ulcerative colitis (chronic inflammation of the colon). A small study of moxibustion and acupuncture found that this approach was not helpful in treating obesity. In general, most studies that have looked at moxibustion have not followed rigorous scientific guidelines to be sure that the outcomes were due to the moxibustion treatment. It is also difficult to find studies where moxibustion is used without acupuncture so that its effect can be evaluated alone.
There have been no human studies on the effects of moxibustion and cancer; however, a study in Taiwan found that mice with tumors that had been treated with moxibustion lived longer than mice with tumors that had not. Animal studies may show that a certain therapy looks like a promising treatment, but further studies are needed to find out if the results apply to humans.
Are there any possible problems
or complications?
Direct moxibustion can burn the skin. Oils from mugwort and
wormwood can cause toxic reactions if taken internally, although their
toxicity is much lower when applied externally. Mugwort is on the
Commission E (Germanys regulatory agency for herbs) list of
unapproved herbs. This means that it is not recommended for internal
use because it has not been proven to be safe or effective, due to the
possibility that it may cause miscarriage or abortion in pregnant
women. Moxibustion can result in burns and may be dangerous for
diabetics due to reduced sensation and problems with infection. Relying
on this type of treatment alone, and avoiding or delaying conventional
medical care, may have serious health consequences.
Additional Resources
More Information From Your
American Cancer Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be ordered
from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Acupuncture Today. Moxibustion. Available at:
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com. Accessed 4/02/07.
Alternative Medicine: Expanding Medical Horizons. A Report to
the National Institutes of Health on Alternative Medical Systems and
Practices in the United States. Washington, DC: US Government Printing
Office; 1994. NIH publication 94-066.
Cardini F, Weixin H. Moxibustion for correction of breech
presentation: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 1998;280:1580-1584.
Cassileth B. The Alternative Medicine Handbook. New York, NY:
W. W. Norton & Co; 1998.
Coyle ME, Smith CA, Peat B. Cephalic version by moxibustion for breech presentation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005 Apr 18;(2):CD003928.
Hau DM, Lin IH, Lin JG, Chang YH, Lin CH. Therapeutic effects
of moxibustion on experimental tumor. Am J Chin Med. 1999;27:157-166.
Jarvis WT. How quackery harms. Available
at: http://www. quackwatch.com. Accessed 3/28/07.
Mazzoni R, Mannucci E, Rizzello SM, Ricca V, Rotella CM.
Failure of acupuncture in the treatment of obesity: a pilot study. Eat
Weight Disord. 1999 Dec;4(4):198-202.
PDR for Herbal Medicines 3rd Edition. Various Editors.
Montvale, NJ: Thomson PDR; 2004.
Wu H, Chen H, Hua X, Shi Z, Zhang L, Chen J. Clinical
therapeutic effect of drug-separated moxibustion on chronic diarrhea
and its immunologic mechanisms. J Tradit Chin Med. 1997;17:253-258.
Note: This information may not
cover all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Revised: 05/23/2007
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