MOXA MAGIC- IMMUNE SYSTEM EDITION
What is moxa?
‘Moxa’ comes from ‘Moxabustion’ comes from east-asian (namely Chinese & Japanese) language meaning ‘to burn mugwort’. Mugwort grows in many different parts of the world and has been used for a wide array of uses from hanging outside the front door to ward away evil spirits to smoking it before bedtime to access lucid dreaming.
The east-Asians predominantly used moxa as an adjunct treatment to acupuncture. Some practitioners would say that acupuncture and moxa are a power couple and work very well together.
The use of moxa has arguably been discussed to be older than acupuncture, but you know what. I wasn’t around then and if learning history is the same as it’s always been- I don’t know who to believe most of the time 😅.
I was exposed to moxa from a young age. This burning herb would penetrate heat deeply into my body which would alleviate cold like symptoms. I used to see my grandfather use it to burn off a mole that was as hanging off his foot. Or at least, that’s what it looked like at the time.
As a practitioner I used moxa to regulate temperature. The regulation of temperature is important for optimum health. We need to be about 35.5C -37.6 depending on your age.
When we go when half a degree up or down our digestive system is compromised. A degree up or down and our immunise system is compromised.
Moxa penetrates heat like nothing else I have come across. It quickly warms the blood, improves circulation and because of that reduces discomfort and regulates temperature very quickly.
Amongst its many uses, one of them was to keep warm in cold weather. Right now I am sitting in an airport as I write this. It’s December and I’m in freezing Northern Ireland. Although I have had socks on all day, there have been brief moments of my feet touching cold floors and I can still feel the remnants of the cold in my feet all the way up to my ankles. I know what I’ll be doing as soon as I get in tonight! Moxa my feet.
During my time in Ireland, then the temperature dropped below -0 and there is snow and ice everywhere, I have had to rely on moxa to keep my immune system strong. Too much invasion of the cold never feels good in the body.
What you will need:
mugwort (get the pale yellow variety)
heat-proof dish
incense stick
glass of water (just in case)
Here are some ways of using moxa to boost your immune system:
light some moxa on heat proof dish. Put the end of the lit incense on the moxa until it lights up
place dish on floor and hover soles of feet over it
hover palms of hands over the smoke
be sure to warm all the areas up throughly
takes a few minutes or as long as you personally need
I recommend doing this during the times of the day when it is cooler. First thing in the morning, sun set or evening. 1-3 times a week is going to strengthen the immune system.
Maybe you are ready to go deeper?
Moxa the following points to give yourself a deep chill and a burst of energy. This is an adaptogenic method so you will get what you need. For example, moxa before bed is likely to send you to sleep than wake you up.
Stomach 36
Spleen 6
Kidney 3
Pericardium 8
These points should keep you comfortable during the colder months.