Postpartum Moxabustion
Moxa is an herb called Chinese mugwort. The form I use is in a rolled stick covered by a fine linen paper. The end of the stick, when lit and held close to the skin, sends a deep, penetrating warmth into the area being treated. It has a lasting effect, giving valuable strength to the healing process as well as tonification to the organs themselves. The areas treated are the lower back and lower abdomen.
The Ming Men is an area on the body located between the second and third lumbar vertebrae, just beneath the two kidneys, and opposite the navel. It is also called “the gate of life”, and like all gates can open and close. At birth the Ming Men is opened, thus allowing the pelvic girdle to allow passage of the baby. With rest and recovery during the postpartum, the Ming Men properly recloses, strengthening the lower back as well as the Kidney energy.
Moxabustion treatment posptartum helps to reclose the Ming Men. It can offer relief from lower back pain, internal cold, and helps the uterus return to its non-pregnant size. Physically, the mother is strengthened and is warmer after treatment. Spiritually and emotionally, she is filled by the heat and the gentle yet penetrating touch applied to the area where the moxa is administered. This touch helps to disperse the accumulating heat and also increases and prolongs the penetration of the heat. Burning moxa also produces increased immunity in the postpartum mother.
A treatment lasts from 45 - 60 minutes and may be given one time or repeated. The number of treatments are based on mom’s energy and recovery and may be given anytime from day 5 - week 6 postpartum.