Moxibustion
Moxibustion is the application of heat to acupuncture points and is one of the oldest and most effective forms of traditional East Asian therapy. Originating in China, the technique has been refined in Japan over a thousand years since its introduction. Moxibustion creates heat by burning moxa, an herb derived from drying the underside of the mugwort plant’s leaves.
While indirect methods are used where appropriate, Japanese acupuncturists commonly employ direct moxibustion, which burns a sesame seed-sized amount of highest-grade pure moxa on the skin with a special type of incense. The result is an intense, penetrating heat that stimulates the acupuncture point with minimal discomfort.
Direct moxibustion achieves clinical effectiveness through its cauterization (burning) effect and its deep penetrating heat, effects which indirect methods are not likely to achieve. When moxa burns the skin, there is an elevation in blood cell counts resulting in strengthened immunity. The burning of moxa directly on the skin also produces a deep, penetrating heat that is very effective in reducing pain and inflammation.
Moxibustion is best combined with acupuncture but can achieve excellent results on its own. In Japan, it is used for the treatment of a wide range of neurological and musculoskeletal disorders as well as the prevention of “dis”ease and the maintenance of health and well-being.
While moxibustion is a technique adjunct to acupuncture and does not require separate licensing in Canada, moxibustion therapy requires a higher degree of specialization and separate national license in Japan. Masamichi Shibata has obtained this Japanese certification, enabling the safe practice of moxibustion therapy.
Client Testimonial
“I have been working in the physical rehabilitation field for nearly 20 years. During this time, I have seen clients with various injuries, some of which do not respond well to typical rehabilitative regimens. One such ailment is plantar fasciitis.
In the spring, I was unfortunate to have developed plantar fasciitis myself. As a competitive recreational tennis player, increased play time on my feet resulted in intolerable foot pains, which began to limit my tennis and cause compensatory pain to my other foot, my low back, and my hips.
Initially, I attempted to treat this condition with typical rehabilitative measures, including: ultrasound, icing, stretching, heel cups, night splints and proper footwear. As the Head Instructor for Ergonomics at the University of British Columbia, I was well aware of both proper and improper postures associated with this condition. Unfortunately, after weeks and weeks of such intervention, I found very little benefit, continuing to feel significantly disabled by my foot pain.
It was then that I sought help from Daichan Shibata to attempt Japanese acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of my foot. I went in skeptically, realizing that the typical bout of plantar fasciitis would run approximately 6 months or longer. I had an upcoming tennis tournament and was at wit's end as to treatment alternatives. After one session with Daichan I was walking without a limp. Within 3 sessions, I was playing tennis again without pain. To me, this was somewhat unbelievable.
As a treating clinician myself, I highly value Daichan's clinical skills, clients focus, non-hurried approach, and gentle nature. I hold this individual in very high regard, feeling fortunate that our paths crossed and that I was able to personally benefit from his expertise.”
Min Trevor Kyi
Clinical Assistant Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia