Hands-On Moxibustion

This course is a unique hands on classical approach to dive into the arts and technique of moxibustion. Also, it is unique in Germany, as Lorraine Wilcox will be teaching Chinese Medicine in Europe for the first time. We are happy to have her here!

Although Moxibustion is half of the term 針灸 zhen-jiu (“acupuncture-moxibustion”), we typically spend much more time learning acupuncture. Ling Shu, Ch. 73 says, “Moxibustion is suitable for what the needle does not do.” In this class, we will discuss why moxibustion is still important in modern clinic.

We will start by learning how to make moxa floss, how to judge its quality and why this makes a difference. We will also learn what makes some types of moxibustion smokier and what we can do to minimize the smoke. Next we will experiment with indirect moxibustion. Besides learning the proper techniques for ginger, garlic, salt, or Fu Zi moxibustion, we will make herbal ‘cakes’ for moxibustion. Each cake treats something different, depending on which herbs and points are selected. In addition, we can use orange peel, peach leaves, paper soaked in milk, cloth soaked in salt water, and even eggs as isolating substances for indirect moxibustion. Moxibustion has been one of the favored modalities for Yang Sheng (nourishing life) since the Tang dynasty. We will learn two specific methods using direct moxibustion, and practice using direct moxibustion to nourish life.

Pressing moxibustion was the original method of using the moxa stick. It is a much more efficient method of delivering focused heat and moxa qi than holding the stick over the point. We sometimes use a medicated cloth with pressing moxibustion. We will make our own moxa sticks and medicated cloth in class.

This class will feature many hands-on activities and participants will leave with a better grasp of the many ways moxibustion can be used in modern clinic.