Moxibustion

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that involves burning dried mugwort, a spongy herb also known as moxa, near the skin to stimulate acupuncture points. The moxa can be compressed into sticks, cones, or placed directly on the skin (known as direct moxibustion), or placed on top of an acupuncture needle (known as indirect moxibustion).

Moxibustion is used to promote healing, relieve pain, and improve overall health by stimulating the flow of qi (pronounced "chee"), which is believed to be the body's vital energy. It is often used in conjunction with acupuncture and other traditional Chinese medicine therapies. Moxibustion has also been studied in modern Western medicine, and some research suggests it may be helpful in treating conditions such as menstrual pain, arthritis, and digestive disorders.

Answers to some Frequently asked questions about moxibustion

answers to frequently asked questions about moxibustion

Here are some frequently asked questions about moxibustion, along with their answers:

Q: What is moxibustion used for? A: Moxibustion is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, arthritis, digestive disorders, menstrual pain, and fertility issues. It is also used to boost the immune system and improve overall health.

Q: How is moxibustion performed? A: Moxibustion can be performed using various techniques, including direct, indirect, and warm needle moxibustion. In direct moxibustion, a small cone or ball of moxa is placed directly on the skin and burned until it is extinguished. In indirect moxibustion, the moxa is burned near the skin, but not in direct contact with it. Warm needle moxibustion involves placing a small amount of moxa on the handle of an acupuncture needle and lighting it.

Q: Is moxibustion safe? A: Moxibustion is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. However, it is not recommended for people with certain conditions, such as pregnancy, fever, or skin conditions, and it should not be used on open wounds or areas of the body that are inflamed or swollen. Additionally, people who are sensitive to smoke or have respiratory problems should avoid moxibustion.

Q: Does moxibustion hurt? A: Moxibustion is generally painless, although some people may experience a mild sensation of warmth or tingling during the treatment.

Q: How often should I have moxibustion? A: The frequency of moxibustion treatments will depend on your individual needs and the condition being treated. Your practitioner can recommend a treatment plan based on your specific needs.

Q: Can I do moxibustion at home? A: Moxibustion should only be performed by a qualified practitioner who has received training in this technique. Attempting to do moxibustion at home without proper training could be dangerous and is not recommended.

Q: How do I find a qualified moxibustion practitioner? A: To find a qualified moxibustion practitioner, look for licensed acupuncturists or traditional Chinese medicine practitioners in your area who have training and experience in this technique. You can also ask for recommendations from your doctor or from friends or family members who have had moxibustion.

Frozen Shoulder

There are many types of shoulder injuries. Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is what happens when your shoulder capsule thickens, making your shoulder stiff, tight, and hard to move. The shoulder then forms bands of tissue called adhesions. The end result? Pain and an inability to move your shoulder over time. This can make it hard to do tasks like reaching overhead or reaching behind you.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective way of treating frozen shoulder. Acupuncture needles are inserted around the shoulder area (front and back), upper arms, elbow, hand and in any relevant myofascial trigger points. It helps to reduce inflammation, pain and shoulder stiffness. Acupuncture and moxibustion, along with appropriate exercises I will demonstrate, help to increase range of motion and mobility by increasing blood flow to the area.

The Effectiveness of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder is discussed in the Journal of Evidence based and complimentary medicine. The Effectiveness of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (hindawi.com)

The Seasons in Chinese Medicine

The Wood Element

Spring Time and the Wood Element

Spring is a time for new beginnings when you should rise with the sun and take brisk walks (Pitchford, 2002.) Chinese Medicine evolved thousands of years ago in an agrarian society where people lived much closer to nature. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be used to explain how our internal environment reacts to the changing seasons. In Chinese Medicine Spring is the time of the Wood Element. Ideally the flow of energy is smooth like a flowing river. An example of this can be seen in the flowing movements of Taiji and Qigong. It’s energies are upwards and outwards. Imagine a newly growing plant. It pushes against boundaries like the earth in order to get sunlight. The buds, shoots and leaves are growing and expanding. People also start life with a plan to fulfil their capabilities and direction. They may encounter obstacles and frustrations along the way. The state of the Wood energy within them will determine whether they bend or break in the face of adversity. If it is good then they will be able to grow and flourish. If it is not then they may become stuck (Hicks et al, 2004). Spring is the season for the Liver and Gall Bladder. We naturally eat less, perhaps even fast to detoxify the body and the fats and heavy foods we have consumed over Winter. Ideal foods for this time of year are young plants, fresh greens, sprouts and immature wheat or other cereal grasses (Pitchford, 2002..)

Summer Time and the Fire Element

There are five elements in Chinese Medicine: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Five element acupuncturists use this system to determine which element in a person requires most support. Working on that element helps to bring balance to the person. The Fire Element in Chinese Medicine relates to Summer, to heat, to the colour red, to laughing and to joy. The Sun is the Fire Element in nature. The following meridians are all related to the Fire Element: Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium and Triple Burner.  The Spirit of the Heart is called the Shen. The Shen can be seen in the sparkle in a persons eyes.

On a physical level the Fire Element relates to a persons sensitivity to hot and cold. On an emotional level it relates to joy. Communication with others is how it manifests. When the Fire Element is in balance we can communicate freely and effectively with others. We will laugh and smile at appropriate moments. We will be able to recall pleasurable moments. When Fire is in excess we may become over exuberant, we may laugh at inappropriate moments.  Manic behaviour can harm the Fire Element. When the Fire Element is deficient we may be discouraged from human contact. We may not be able to join in the joy of a group and may feel isolated. When Fire is deficient people may display joy but it will lack warmth and not feel genuine. Lack of human contact can be detrimental to the Fire Element.

In Summer you should use plenty of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables. Light cooking is in order, steaming and boiling. You may decide to add spice or pungent flavours. Fruits to cool Summer Heat include apples, lemons and limes (Pitchford, 2002). Salads, sprouts and cucumber are suitable for picnics alongside herbal teas.

Harvest

Harvest Time and Earth Element

Harvest

In Europe in the middle ages there was a tradition of crop rotation which helps to reduce crop specific pests (RHS, 2015). Fields would be left fallow, i.e. uncultivated every few years. Animal and plant compost would be used to nourish the earth. Hedgerows that separated fields shaped the landscape and were places where animals thrived. In modern times this tradition has disappeared. Large scale harvesting is more common and chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used to produce the largest crop. However this system doesn't nourish the soil and yields may reduce.

Earth Element in Life

On a physical level we are what we make of what we eat. The Earth state of the earth can range from dry like a desert or damp like a soggy field suited to planting rice. On a physical level if we are suffering from "Damp" our digestion will be sluggish and we will be reluctant to move. On a mental level if our Earth element is strong we should be able to reap a harvest in our life (Hicks et al, 2004). If it is not our thoughts will circle endlessly and we may suffer from dissatisfaction. In Chinese Medicine humans are pictured as having their head in the heavens, where they can take in the Qi, and their feet on the earth, where they feel grounded and steady. Earthquakes like the recent one in Nepal lead to feelings of shock and instability.

Diet

To attune to late Summer it’s best to pick foods for every meal that harmonize. These include millet, carrots, corn ,cabbage, beans and sweat potatoes (Pitchford, 2002)

Autumn and the Metal Element

In Chinese Medicine the character for Metal (Jin) 金 represents something precious deep in the earth. It includes the character for Earth (see below). The Metal character has a sloping roof on top, representing something covered over. You could imagine it as a mine with nuggets of gold buried deep within the earth. Metal can be thought of like minerals in the body. Small but essential. In the body the Metal Element consists of the Lungs and Large Intestine. The Lungs take in air. In Chinese Medicine they take in the Qi from the Heavens. Exercises such as Qigong can help us to breath more deeply. Breathing meditations can be used as a tool to calm the mind. In dynamic meditation breathing can be used to trigger the emotions in order to express them and to get free and more detached from them (Osho, 1989). The Large Intestine lets go of waste material. On a more emotional level it's important to be able to freely accept gifts and compliments. To appreciate beauty in the world. It's also important to let go of things we no longer need. The Dhammapada (sayings of the Buddha) states "For see how the Jasmine flower releases and lets fall its withered flowers." So we must release the parts of us that no longer serve us rather than clinging to them. In Autumnal months the weather starts to get chilly and we would be wise to dress more warmly than the summer months. Summer salads should give way to more nourishing and warming foods such as soups and roasted vegetables. We should choose more astringent as well as heartier flavours and foods (Pitchford, 2002). Sourdough bread, sauerkraut, leaks, aduki beans sour apples and rose hip tea suit this season.

Gill Scrambling in Winter

Winter and the Water Element

There are five elements in Chinese Medicine: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Five element acupuncturists use this system to determine which element in a person requires most support. Working on that element helps to bring balance to the person. The Water Element in Chinese Medicine relates to Winter, to cold, to the colour blue/black, to groaning and to fear (Hicks et al, 2004). Water is the most yin of all elements. It takes the shape of it's container such as a reservoir or a river bed. The Bladder and Kidney meridians are related to the Water Element. The Spirit of the Kidneys is called the Zhi. It gives us the drive and motivation to get things done.

On a physical level the excess and deficiency of the Water Element can cause problems. This can be seen in floods and drought. Water controls Fire. A fireman will use water to put out a fire. The power of Water is storage. Animals store food so the can hibernate over Winter. On an emotional level the Water Element relates to fear. Our response to fearful stimuli is how it manifests. When the Water Element is in balance we can use our fear to avoid dangerous situations like predators, cliff edges and fire. Such a person should be able to respond positively to reassurance. A lack of fear may lead us to engage in extreme sports. An excess of fear may lead to agitation of the mind body and spirit.

Diet

In terms of diet Winter is a good time for salty and bitter foods which aid the bodies capacity for storage. Examples of bitter foods are oats, rye, carrot top and quinoa. Seaweed, millet and barley are salty foods. It is advisable to avoid salads at this time of year as they are cooling in nature (Pitchford, 2002)..

References

Hicks, Hicks and Mole, 2004, Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture, Churchill Livingstone, London

Osho, 1989, The Everyday Meditator A Practical Guide, Labyrinth Publishing (UK) Ltd, London

Pitchford, 2002, Healing with Whole Foods Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley

Weiger L 1965 Chinese characters. New York: Dover

Autumn and the Metal Element in Chinese Medicine

The Metal Element

In Chinese Medicine the character for Metal (Jin) 金 represents something precious deep in the earth. It includes the character for Earth (see below). The Metal character has a sloping roof on top, representing something covered over. You could imagine it as a mine with nuggets of gold buried deep within the earth. Metal can be thought of like minerals in the body. Small but essential. In the body the Metal Element consists of the Lungs and Large Intestine. The Lungs take in air. In Chinese Medicine they take in the Qi from the Heavens. Exercises such as Qigong can help us to breath more deeply. Breathing meditations can be used as a tool to calm the mind. In dynamic meditation breathing can be used to trigger the emotions in order to express them and to get free and more detached from them (Osho, 1989). The Large Intestine lets go of waste material. On a more emotional level it's important to be able to freely accept gifts and compliments. To appreciate beauty in the world. It's also important to let go of things we no longer need. The Dhammapada (sayings of the Buddha) states "For see how the Jasmine flower releases and lets fall its withered flowers." So we must release the parts of us that no longer serve us rather than clinging to them. In Autumnal months the weather starts to get chilly and we would be wise to dress more warmly than the summer months. Summer salads should give way to more nourishing and warming foods such as soups and roasted vegetables. We should choose more astringent as well as heartier flavours and foods (Pitchford, 1993). Sourdough bread, sauerkraut, leaks, aduki beans sour apples and rose hip tea suit this season.

Autumn

Making space for ourselves

Autumn is the Season of the Metal Element. Trees freely let dead leaves fall to the ground. Similarly we should let go of people and objects that no longer serve us. I have been giving some books to charity. I am culling my Facebook friends list of people I no longer need and ofpeople I have been clinging onto. Now is the time to sever those connections. By clearing away these things we make space for ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally.

Chestnuts

Foraging

Autumn is also a great time to go foraging for nuts and berries. It is vital to avoid damaging wildlife habitats or rare species, so check you are allowed to forage in the area before starting to pick (Countryfile). Hazelnuts, apples, blackberries, hawthorn, blackthorn, rowan, sloe berries, bilberry, sweet chestnut, beach nut, raspberries, wild strawberries, giant puffball, chicken of the woods, rosehips and elderberries can be foraged this time of year. Some of them can be eaten raw. Others can be used to make jams, wines and autumnal treats such as scones and crumbles (the Guardian). Sloe berries can be used to make Sloe Gin. A pair of scissors, a good pocket knife and a reusable shopping bag or other container is all that is needed (andhereweare.net).

References

Hicks, Hicks and Mole, 2004, Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture, Churchill Livingstone, London

Osho, 1989, The Everyday Meditator A Practical Guide, Labyrinth Publishing (UK) Ltd, London

Pitchford, 2002, Healing with Whole Foods Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/sep/19/beginners-guide-to-autumn-foraging - accessed 07/09/2018

https://andhereweare.net/top-10-things-to-forage-in-autumn/ - accessed 07/09/2018

http://www.countryfile.com/countryside/top-10-foods-forage-september - accessed 07/09/2018

The Wood Element in Chinese Medicine and a Healing for Spring Time

Lamb is Spring Time

Spring in Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine Spring is related to the Wood Element. The power of Wood is birth and as you can see in the picture above new plants and animals are born is Spring. The character of the Wood element is mu (Weiger, 1965). The vertical line is the tree trunk  and root, the horizontal line the earth and the diagonal lines are the roots. It is clear that much of the tree lies beneath the earth.

Spring is a time when the yang energy of warmth and the increased sunlight seeds begin to sprout and trees are growing upwards and outwards. Branches will bend towards the sunlight to help their growth. They are flexible.  

The Wood Element

In people Wood energy manifests as creativity, flexibility, determination, expression and growth, both physical and mental. Ideally the flow of energy is smooth like a flowing river. An example of this can be seen in the flowing movements of Taiji and Qigong. However sometimes like a growing tree we can become stuck and frustrated, we may have difficulty adapting. Though a plant or tree cannot shift it's location humans often need to change their work or living place in order to thrive (Hicks, Hicks and Mole, 2004).

Sound of Wood

The sound of Wood is shouting. A voice that is shouting may sound angry. The rising qi may give the voice forcefullness. It will either sound loud or certain words will have more emphasis than would be normal. If you can hear someone having a normal conversation from a distance they probably have an imbalance in the Wood Element (Hicks, Hicks and Mole, 2004).

Wind and the Wood Element

The climate of Wood is Wind. Wind is a potent force in Spring. Many people can feel unconfortable in strong wind. Other people find it bracing and exhilarating. Wind can invade the body causing symptoms such as aversion to cold, fever, sneezing. It can also becreated internally casuing symptoms such as irratability, cramps, dizziness and itching (Maciocia, 2005, p683-687).

Food and Springtime

Too many heavy fatty foods clog the Liver causing spring fits and fevers. Foods that help to stimlate the Liver include tumeric, cumin and black pepper (Pitchford, 2002, p326). Some foods such as beans can cause wind whilst others naturally decrease  it. These include fennel, pine nuts, peppermint and celery (Tan, 2018.)

Anger is the Emotion of the Wood Element

There are times when anger is the natural response to a hurt or injustice. If you are cut up in traffic or you see something you perceive as being wrong you may be angry. This is normal and natural. If the anger passes in a normal amount of time this is fine. However we may instead have no response to an injustice or get overly angry at a perceived. Frustration is another emotion related to the Wood Element. Frustration can lead to rage if the Wood energy is high or to resignation and apathy if it is low (Maciocia, 2005, p247).

Spring Cleaning

In the past spring cleaning often involved taking objects outside in the wind to air them and get rid of the dust and cobwebs. On a personal level Spring is a time that emotions come to the surface. It is a good idea if we can consciously release these feelings. It is a good time to face challenges and stop procrastinating (Marguilis).

Acupuncture and the Wood Element

Acupuncture can be used to help with the Wood element in people. It can help to reduce anger, clear frustration and to help smooth the flow of energy around the body. It can help to reduce the pain and the frequency of headaches caused by an imbalance in the Wood Energy (Russel and Koppelman). If a persons main imbalance is in the Wood Element 5 element acupuncture can be used to diagnose and treat this element. This would help to bring balance and all the other elements in turn (Hicks, Hicks and Mole, 2004).

Healing Session

Looking Down on Ladybower Reservoir

I've created a healing session to help with Spring Time and the Wood Element. To receive the healing you will need to call it in. This is done via intention. Here is how to do it: relax, and state your intention out loud or silently, to receive this Spring Time Healing from Geoff, for your highest good and highest healing. If you are visual you can concentrate on the picture above.

References

Hicks, Hicks and Mole, 2004, Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture, Churchill Livingstone, London

Maciocia, 2005, The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, Churchill Livingstone, London

Pitchford, 2002, Healing with Whole Foods Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California

Weiger L 1965 Chinese Characters, New York, Dover

Marguilis, Living with the Seasons https://www.chinesemedicineliving.com/nutrition/seasons/spring/

Acupuncture for Pain https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/present-research/pain-2/

Tan, 2018, How to stay Healthy in Spring, http://straightbamboo.com/how-to-stay-healthy-in-spring/

Damp

Chinese Medicine regards Damp as being like a soggy/muddy field. The sort of place that would be the perfect place to grow rice. In this country the moors are a similar environment. Heather grows and the moorlands and it suits grouse. One place I visit regularly that brings this to easily to mind is Derwent Edge in the Peak District (see pictures above).

Damp is characteristically sticky and difficult to get rid of. It is heavy and it slows thing down. It tends to settle in the lower parts of the body. It can refer to damp weather. Dampness can refer to living conditions, . such as a moldy bathroom or living on a canal boat or close to a river. Other factors that can cause damp include wearing damp clothes, sitting or working in damp conditions.

Grouse live on Moorland which is damp

Clothes can get damp when out walking

On Howden Edge

Fear and the Water Element

Fear is an emotion that is related to the Water Element in Chinese Medicine. The related channels are Kidney and Bladder. A normal amount of fear is good in that it stops us walking off cliffs or putting our hands in the fire. When fear is in excess we may feel anxiety and suffer from phobias. It can stop us from leading a normal productive life. We may see danger everywhere. It could be of an advantage in risk analysis. When fear is deficient we take crazy risks. These might involve driving at high speeds and being involved in extreme sports. It may manifest as adrenaline seeking behaviour and the failure to assess risks. We can overcome our fears by taking well thought out risks. This could involve scrambling in the mountains in fair weather.

Scrambling up Sharp Edge in the Lake District

Sharp Edge

Scrambling up to Crib Goch

Sleep

In order to get regular healthy restorative sleep it's important to get into a routine. Go to bed at the same time each night. Have no food or drink before bed time except water or some other relaxing bed time drink. Chamomile tea can be calming. Warm milk can help us get to sleep since it contains serotonin precursors. Seratonin is an inhibitory chemical in the Central Nervous System that helps us go to sleep.

In Chinese Medicine the Shen, the spirit of the Heart lives in the Hearts Blood. If we are properly nourished this will be strong and it will be easy for us to fall asleep. If it is weak then we will have difficulty falling asleep. It can be compared to a dog that is restless and wanders around rather than settling in it's basket. We can eat certain foods in order to strengthen the Blood. Meat, in particular red meat, fish and/or green leafy vegetables and pulses are indicated.

If we often wake during the night to urinate then that suggests there is a deficiency in the energy of the Kidney channel. Acupuncture can help to boost this energy but it's also important to rest. If we wake during the night around 1 to 3 am GMT or 2 to 4 am BST and can't get back to sleep it suggests that the energy of the Liver Meridian is too strong. Acupuncture can be used to smooth the flow of energy in the Liver Channel.

There are some acupuncture points that are particularly good for sleep. Yin Tang is particularly good for relaxing the mind as is Anmian (see pictures blow).

A needle in Yintang

Ying Tang

Anmian

Getting out into the Countryside

I like to get out into the countryside as much as possible. I lead walks for 3 meetup groups in the North West of England. You get to see the countryside, get some fresh air and have a chat. As one of the hikers on last nights walk "Macclesfield Forest & Shutlinsloe" said "Occasionally, rarely, everything conspires together to create a perfect walk. Like this one. Terrain, weather, people, scenery, interest, sunset, pub. One to remember." The are we visited was once part of the Royal Forest of Macclesfield – where wild boar, deer and wolves were hunted in medieval times.

I got some help on the walk from a local who knew some local history and points of interest. Since we both knew the route I was able to lead or back mark the walk. This allowed me to chat to my fellow hikers and not worry about the pace or whether people were keeping up. The midges and flies plagued us at the start but once we got onto the moorland where there was some wind they disappeared. These shared walks and experiences help to ground us and bring us closer to nature.

Pictures were taken by myself and other members of the meetup groups I was leading.

Impromptu Headstand on Shutlinsloe

Heading up the Hill

Sunset over the Reservoir

Panorama