Though Moxa is usually associated with classic Chinese medicine, this technique is also used in an isolated manner to enhance and compliment a standard orthopedic treatment, be it physical therapy, chiropractic procedure or any other kind of manual therapy method.
The concept behind the application of Kyutoshin moxa is simple. We insert a thin needle deep into the tissue, sometimes all the way to the joint, and then place a heat source (moxa) to the needle’s head. The needle, since it is made of metal, transfers the heat deep into the tissue, thus helping resolve myofascial adhesions, stimulate blood circulation and relieve pressure on nerves.
The use of Kyutoshin Moxa is particularly effective when dealing with joints to which there is limited or no accessibility using manual therapy, such as the Sacroiliac Joint, or to joints that are deep inside the body, such as the hip joints.
Moxa treatments are short (10-20 minutes per session) and involve minimal level of pain, since the needles are very thin, and the heat level is limited to the level of comfort of the patient.
The most common joint to receive this kind of treatment are the sacroiliac joint, hip joint and around the shoulder blade.