Gentle warmth to boost your energy.
Moxibustion is a technique in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that uses the heat produced by burning moxa—traditionally made from dried mugwort—to warm specific points or areas of the body.
At La Clinique Naturelle in Geneva, moxibustion is generally part of a more holistic approach to traditional Chinese medicine. It is most often used in conjunction with acupuncture, when the therapist’s assessment indicates that the application of heat may be beneficial.
Its use is therefore tailored to each individual based on the reason for the consultation, the Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment, and the specific needs of each person.
What is moxibustion?
Moxibustion is one of the techniques traditionally used in Chinese medicine.
It involves the use of moxa, which is typically made from dried mugwort (Artemisia argyi or related species), the burning of which produces heat.
The therapist may hold a moxa stick near certain acupuncture points or areas of the body, without necessarily touching the skin. There are also other moxibustion techniques.
In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is used in particular when the therapeutic strategy calls for the application of heat.
In what situations can moxibustion be recommended?
Therapists can incorporate moxibustion into traditional Chinese medicine treatment in a variety of situations.
Moxibustion: One of the Various Practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Moxibustion is very often combined with acupuncture, in which heat is applied to specific acupuncture points or areas of the body.
During the consultation, the therapist begins by conducting a Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment. The therapist focuses on the reason for the consultation, its progression, and any other associated symptoms, as well as the person’s overall health—including sleep, digestion, and energy levels—and any treatments or medications the person is already taking.
Based on this assessment, and depending on the situation and the client's background, the therapist determines which techniques seem most appropriate.
Care may therefore involve:
- acupuncture, which involves stimulating specific points using fine needles;
- the Chinese pharmacopoeia, when a formula to be taken between appointments is appropriate;
- Tui Na, which uses various manual, pressure, and mobilization techniques;
- moxibustion, which traditionally uses the heat produced by burning moxa;
- suction cups, which create localized suction on the skin;
- auriculotherapy, which involves stimulating certain points on the outer ear.
These techniques are not always used together. The therapist chooses the tools he or she considers most appropriate for your situation, based on his or her training and your preferences.
Are the sessions covered by supplemental insurance?
Some supplemental insurance plans may cover part of the cost of sessions. However, coverage depends on your policy, the type of therapy you receive, and the therapist you choose.
Before your first appointment, we recommend that you contact your insurance provider directly and provide them with the following information:
- the therapist's name;
- the therapy in question.
The therapists at La Clinique Naturelle hold professional accreditations that vary depending on their specialty, including accreditation fromASCA and/or RME. However, these accreditations do not automatically guarantee reimbursement for sessions: only your insurance provider can confirm the exact terms of your coverage.
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