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Hi everyone, I am looking for some input here...
This is not one case in specific, but I would like to look at the use of moxa during pregnancy.
I am currently watching a Heather Bruce DVD and she is talking about using moxa on the back/ sacral region to prepare women for birthing. She is attempting to expel cold which would make the actual birthing process more painfull (due to its contracting nature).
What concerns should I have about using moxa during pregnancy? Does it matter at what stage are they are in?
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In general, professional
In general, professional Chinese medicine does not/cannot answer such blanket questions. All decisions are made on a case by case basis. However, that being said, I think you can get clearer about the role of moxibustion in pregnancy by asking a series of questions about moxibustion.
First, in general, what does moxibustion do according to CM?
1. Dispels (qu) or scatters (san) cold
2. Supplements (bu) yang qi
3. Warms the channels (wen jing), moves (xing) the qi, quickens (huo) the blood, and frees the flow (tong) of the network vessels
Based on the foregoing, moxibustion would be indicated in patients whose presenting patterns indicate a need for one or more of these functions.
In terms of moxibustion's moving/quickening abilities, it is generally more powerful than needling. Thus the Nei Jing says: "When needles do not reach [cure] the disease, then one must use moxibusation." In other words, it is also possible to simply think of moxibustion as a more powerful stimulus.
Secondly, do different types of moxibustion accomplish different of these functions?
Yes, there is warming moxibustion, supplementing moxibustion, and draining moxibustion. So you need to pick the right type for the case at hand.
Third, what are the adverse reactions to moxibustion when used inappropriately?
Since all forms of moxibustion add heat to the body, the adverse reactions can all be lumped into two basic categories:
1. Cause heat evils
2. Damages yin
The beauty of CM is that it is a problem-solving methodology which allows us to figure out when to use which therapies in which cases as long as we ask ourselves the right series of questions. Hopes this helps.