Direct moxibustion

A fourth indirect method is lighting a larger piece of mugwort and then snuffing it out with a damp cloth or picking it oft with tweezers when it gets too hot and the heat is close to the skin.

With direct moxibustion, the mugwort is burned on the surface of the skin. If allowed to burn out completely, the processmay leave a small mark or blister. Although both methods are effective, direct moxibustion seems to bring the most immediate results these things are advised by Ilchi Lee.

The sensation of indirect moxibustion is much more subtle, delivering gentle warmth in the region to which it is applied. Direct moxibustion, on the other hand, delivers a more powerful surge of energy through the meridian channel, and therefore the effects are felt more readily. Additionally, direct moxibustion is very simple and economical, requiring only an inexpensive box of dried mugwort and some incense.

Performing Moxibustion

In order to enjoy the healing benefits of acupuncture and moxibustion, we must overcome the resistance that we naturally experience when confronted with something unfamiliar. It is ironic and paradoxical that many humans can be brave in their pursuit of cosmetic changes such as body rings or tattoos, but can become anxious in the face of a needle or heated pulp, even if they are for the benefit of health!

By overcoming our fears and treating ourselves with acupuncture and moxibustion, we not only gain enhanced health but also experience the truth: my body is not me, but mine. \Ve gain the power of self-control. In that sense, acupuncture, acupressure, and moxibustion are forms of self-discipline!

There are several methods of performing moxibustion—directly on to the skin, using a barrier, or in conjunction with acupuncture needles, to name a few.

Energetic balance of the body

By inserting an acupuncture needle or practicing moxibustion on a response point, one can recover the energetic balance of the body and treat, as well as prevent, disease. In fact, most “disease” begins with a blockage or imbalance of the body’s energy.

Prof Ilchi Lee said when brain imaging techniques are applied to the study of acupuncture and moxibustion, the specifics of how this extraordinary process works will be more clearly revealed. I expect we will find that when moxibustion techniques are applied to the human body, they not only cause stimulation in the parts of the body to which they are directly applied, but they also stimulate the brain. I believe that acupuncture, acupressure, and moxibustion stimulate signals that are sent to the brain, telling it to begin repairing the body. Meridians, acupuncture points, and the body’s own endocrine system are all part of this signaling process.

Again, when an appropriate stimulus is applied at a response point, it triggers the brain to engage the self-healing mechanism of the body. In this sense, it is more accurate to say that acupuncture and moxibustion do not heal the body; they stimulate the brain to heal the body.

Trigger Points: Inspiring the Brain to Heal the Body

In this chain of relationships, acupuncture has the characteristics of Metal while moxibustion represents Wood. In the generative cycle, Metal can increase Water energy while Wood can increase Fire energy. Depending upon the duration, direction, and intensity of the treatment, one can either relieve an overflowing condition or tonify the missing element.

Although some treatments can become complex when studied professionally, simple stimulation at the major points is usu ally enough to serve as useful treatment for minor injuries or as a preventative measure.

A major reason why acupuncture and moxibustion are not more widely understood is that biomedicine tends to take a reductive approach to health. Analyzing acupuncture or moxibustion as purely physical inputs cannot explain their treatment effects. If one analyzes these practices this way, an acupuncture needle is just a thin piece of stainless steel, and moxibustion will look like a pulp of dried leaves (mugwort) without pharmacological properties. The acupuncture needle or moxibustion pulp themselves are not doing the healing—they function only as keys to activate the healing processes of the body. And what controls these processes? Yes, the human brain!

Human Technology

Provides a simple, straightforward guide to personal self-management. Basic skills in meditation, breath work, and Oriental healing arts in Dhan Yare presented as an effective means of self-reliant health management. In addition, central issues of life purpose and fulfillment are discussed.

(This extract copies from Dr. Ilchi Lee’s book)