Heat & Light Therapies
Moxibustion & Ontake
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy that uses Moxa (dried Chinese Mugwort (Artemisiae argyi Folium)) which is burned on or near the skin, or sometimes on the tip of an inserted acupuncture needle. Moxa warms and invigorates the flow of Qi in the body and dispels certain pathogenic influences.
Ontake is a form of Moxibustion, and it is Andrew’s specialty. This technique is from Japan and utilizes bamboo tubes filled with Moxa. The practitioner taps, rolls, and presses a warm, Moxa-filled tube along the acupressure meridians in a rhythmic pattern (often using a metronome) in what is known as Dr. Manaka’s meridian frequencies. The combination of rhythm, heat, frequency and pressure triggers rapid shifts in body condition and mood. This modality is extremely relaxing.
Effective in treating: a wide range of issues, including muscle tension and pain, skin irritations/infections, surgical scars, digestive discomfort, fertility issues, sinus pain, chest congestion, carpal tunnel pain, and more.
May be used in conjunction with acupuncture and/or herbal medicine.
Expect a small amount of smoke and a pleasant smell of burning Moxa, similar to a very mild incense. Ontake produces far less smoke than other techniques using Moxa.
Expect to feel a warming sensation that quickly radiates along the pathway that is receiving treatment. This is a. good sign, indicating the arrival and flow of Qi.