Presentation summary

What does science say ?
Moxibustion involves applying heat to acupuncture points. We will examine its mechanisms of action through a review of the existing literature.

Its healing properties are based on a combination of thermal and radiative effects, the pharmacological actions of moxa, and stimulation of the nervous and immune systems. These mechanisms work together to promote healing and restore balance to the body.

– Moxibustion generates heat, which can stimulate warm receptors (WRs) and polymodal receptors (PRs) in the skin and underlying tissues.

– The heat can cause dilation of blood vessels, improving circulation and promoting oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissues.

– Moxibustion can induce the production of heat shock proteins (HSPs), which are involved in cellular protection and repair.

– Moxibustion emits near-infrared radiation, which can also stimulate tissues and affect cellular functions. 

– Moxibustion uses moxa, which is made from dried mugwort leaves. Moxa contains various chemical compounds that can exert pharmacological effects.

– The smoke from burning moxa can contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

– The dried leaves themselves can contain medicinal properties that contribute to the overall effect of moxibustion. 

– But asides from these mechanisms moxibustion is believed to modulate the immune system, potentially enhancing the body’s ability to fight infection and repair tissues.                                          
– Moxibustion can also stimulate the central nervous system, potentially affecting pain perception, inflammation, and other physiological processes.

How to practice ?
We will compare the various ways of performing moxibustion by reviewing the current literature.  First by comparing conventional burning mugwort to charcoal – smokeless – traditional moxibustion. Then by comparing direct and indirect traditional moxibustion. And finally by comparing  traditional to electrical moxibustion with an heating element.