Also called acumoxa or moxabustion, moxibustion is a therapeutic technique that involves the application of heat to specific, targeted points on the patient's body. The heat application is done by burning a small, tightly-bound bundle of herbs called a moxa stick. According to the America Cancer Society, it is a therapeutic technique that is commonly used in conjunction with acupuncture. There are, however, a number of side effects involved in the use of moxibustion.
Miscarriage
The America Cancer Society lists miscarriage as one of the side effects of moxibustion. According to Commission E, which is Germany's regulatory agency for herbs, it is not approved as safe and effective because of the possibility of causing miscarriage in pregnant women.
Respiratory
One of the herbs used in a moxa stick is mugwort. When it is burned during the moxibustion procedure, the smoke that is produced can cause complications in people who have respiratory conditions. Luckily, there are smokeless moxa sticks that can be used for the procedure.
Fatigue and Drowsiness
In a Japanese safety study on acupuncture and moxibustion, some of the participants complained of increased levels of fatigue and drowsiness. This incidence was highest during the first visit. For this reason, it is recommended that the patient arrange for transportation from the therapist's location rather than drive themselves.
Burns
The use of moxibustion can result in external burns to the skin during the moxibustion procedure. This burn injury usually occurs when the moxa stick is held too close to the skin, usually by an inexperienced therapist. Luckily, electric heat is increasingly being used instead of herbal methods typical of moxibustion.
Blood Borne Disease
There is a risk of contracting an infectious blood-borne disease such as Hepatitis C, in the event that an unpracticed or unscrupulous practitioner uses un-sterilized needles. This risk is considered to be minimal because it is legally mandated in America that sterile needles be used for acupuncture. It also underscores the importance of using disposable needles.
Other Side Effects
In addition to some of the side effect listed above, a six year clinical study by the Tsukuba College in Japan listed a number of other adverse side effects. These included discomfort, dizziness, nausea or vomiting and malaise. These were reported by a total of 84 therapists who practiced at one of the college's clinics.
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