Submitted by Shelby D Burns Thu 03/07/2013
Needles If you are interested in alternative therapies for infertility, there are a wide array of options including acupuncture and moxibustion. Acupuncture aids in the health of the whole person, the body, mind and spirit. It is believed to strengthen the endometrium and help facilitate a rich, thick lining essential for a fertilized egg to implant. Some acupuncturists find that combining the needle therapy with moxibustion produces a better result for fertility treatment.
Mugwort facilitates healing
Moxibustion is an ancient oriental healing technique which involves burning herbs to stimulate energy into specific acupuncture points. The word comes from “moxa” or mugosa, which refers to the Mugwort herb. Mugwort is known to stimulate blood flow to the pelvic area, particularly in the uterus. When combined with an acupuncture treatment for the same purpose, healing is enhanced.
There are two types of moxibustion
Direct moxibustion is used to warm acupuncture points and strengthen the affect in the whole body. Small glowing coals of Mugwort are put on the acupuncture needles in order to achieve the affect. The warmth is pleasant and deeply penetrates the tissue of the body. Indirect moxibustion uses a moxa stick. This is a cigar-shaped stick of wrapped Mugwort herb. The cover is peeled halfway down and the exposed herb is lit then blown out so the glowing coal remains. The acupuncturist will take the stick and point the smoking end toward the body moving it slowly around the affected areas, usually from the base of the rib cage to the pubic bone and hip to hip. It should be close enough to cause warming, even perspiration, but not to burn. This stimulates healing in the reproductive organs and production of key hormones.
Other uses for moxibustion
Moxibustion is also an alternative therapy for breech babies and has been used to successfully turn them. It is often used for chronic pain, especially with PMS, irregular periods, infertility and other symptoms associated with female reproductive organ ailments. The reason moxibustion works well is that it increases the blood flow to the affected area acting as an analgesic and promoting expedited healing. Source: eZine/Beryl Dingemans, Natural Fertility Info
