Ways to treat a child without needles explained. Part 2 - Moxa

The idea of bringing a child to an acupuncturist is new to most parents. Many parents are hesitant about how the child will respond to the needles. There maybe concerns that the child will be afraid of needles or that the needles will be painful. In reality many children of all different ages are happy to have needles and many find the treatment relaxing and soothing. However, it may take time for a child to feel confident enough to get to that stage and for some it just never feels right. Luckily we have many other techniques that we can use which are also extremely effective. These include low-level laser, medical massage, Moxa, various types of press tacks and magnets, and cupping.

MOXA is a herb, namely Mugwort which is dried and ground into small sticks or cones (similar to incense). The moxa is then lighted and held above or on the skin on certain acupuncture points or channels to relieve a variety of conditions.

The Three ways we use moxa in Clinic:

1) Indirect Moxa Stick: The moxa stick is held above the skin on a particular acupuncture point or points for a few minutes. The stick does not touch the skin and is therefore totally painless usually this feels very comforting and relaxing for the child. Sometimes we give a moxa stick to a parent to use at home on Specific acupuncture points.

2) Direct moxa cones: This method is only used for older Children/teens in our Clinic. The loose moxa is formed into a cone and put directly on the skin. The end is then lit and the moxa burns down to the skin. A very short lived pinch can be felt as the heat reaches the acupuncture point at which point the moxa is put straight out.

3) Moxa Stickers: In our Clinic we also offer moxa stickers to use at home. These stickers contain moxa which once activated creates a warm glow on a specific acupuncture point advised by your practitioner.

In Chinese Medicine we usually use Moxa for the treatment of the following:

1) Deficient Pathologies or all kinds

2) For expelling Cold

3) For Warming the “Qi” or the “Yang”

4) Drawing Heat downwards.

5) Conditions which might require moxa include: digestive problems, poor appetite, low energy, fatigue, general weakness and lack of vitality.

If you would like to find out more about our clinic and how we treat children please drop us an email Children@blossomtreeclinic.com, visit our website https://www.blossomtreeclinic.com/ or use the WhatsApp button to message us.

We look forward to welcoming you