How Moxa Can Support You

Moxibustion is the ancient practice of burning mugwort on acupressure points to increase blood flow to that area,. It is based on the principle that where there is stuck energy and stagnation, there is pain. The process of moxibustion generates heat, which improves circulation of energy and blood, reducing pain and promoting healing to the affected area.

Often used in conjunction with acupuncture, moxibustion has its own health benefits. This practice treats along meridians and acu-points using moxa and fire. The meridians are a system of internal pathways that connect limbs to organs, run qi-blood, and regulate the whole body. Acu-points are external, and are stimulated to treat specific diseases internally. In the moxibustion treatment process, acu-points are stimulated by heat, and the stimulation travels along the meridians to the specific part of the body that is being treated. This is the basic principle of acupuncture as well, though TCM states that diseases that can not be cured by drugs or acupuncture need to be treated by moxibustion.

Fire is important in moxibustion because the heat is the element that heals. The heat from burning moxa can expel dampness, warm the Yang and eliminate the cold of Yin, can remove pain or numbness, eliminates stagnation, and warms the meridians, which activates blood flow and qi. There are different techniques to this practice, including placing moxa directly on the skin, burning the moxa slightly away from the treated area, naval moxa, or moxa patches.

Direct moxibustion is the technique of placing the mugwort, or moxa, directly on an acu-point on the skin when burning, and can either be left there until the cone stops burning, or is extinguished. This technique feels like a pleasant warming sensation penetrating deep into the skin, and should not be painful if done right.

Indirect moxibustion is the more common practice, and involves burning the moxa, but holding it away from the skin, but close enough to still feel the warmth. Another way to practice indirect moxibustion is to place moxa on the tip of an acupuncture needle in an acu-point, light the moxa, and then the heat radiates down the needle into the skin.

Navel Moxibustion

In TCM, the belly button holds a significant acupressure point called shen que, or Spirit Gate. This point is considered to be a human’s first mouth, and the focal point for all meridians. During navel moxibustion, mugwort is burned right above the belly button. Moxibustion on this area stimulates stomach gas, clears the meridians, regulates the body’s organ functions, and stimulates healing defenses against various diseases. Because the navel is densely populated by blood vessels, TCM believes that administering medicine via the navel will quickly spread to the meridians and internal organs, and is likely to be gentler on the gastrointestinal system compared to taking medicine orally.

Moxa Patches

Moxa patches are different from moxibustion because while they still produce heat and contain mugwort, they do not use fire. Moxa patches are a safe alternative to moxibustion for people who want the benefits from home. Mugwort, angelica root, and ginger are the medicinal herbs used, and the heat is produced from a layer of iron oxide particles that are activated when exposed to oxygen.

How to use:

• To apply, remove the adhesive flaps on either side

• Place the patch over the desired treatment area

• Once the iron oxide begins oxidizing, heat is produced, which stimulates the herbs

• Heat can be felt for around 8 hours

• Use overnight to aid sleep, or use during the day for pain relief

• Treats sciatica, muscle injuries, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, ankle sprains, bakers cysts, ganglions, rheumatic joints, menstrual pain, fertility issues

Mugwort

Mugwort, or Artemesia vulgaris, is a flowering plant native to Asia, Europe, and parts of North America. While commonly used for beer-making, mugwort is also used to treat various health conditions, and is also used to make medicinal tinctures, extracts, tonics, teas, powders, and essential oils. Mugwort produces a chemical called artemisinin, which is found in the roots, stem, leaves, and blossoms of the plant. This chemical causes gentle contractions of the uterus, which promotes regular periods, and is also used in TCM to induce labor. When used in the TCM practice of moxibustion, dried mugwort, or moxa, is rolled into cones or balls, and is burned above acupuncture points to increase blood flow to that area and clear stagnation.

Benefits:

• Relieves stress and headaches

• Boosts energy

• Improves sleep

• Promotes blood circulation

• Supports liver health

• Normalizes menstrual cycles

• Eases digestive issues

• Relieves muscle aches

• Repells insects

• Relieves an itch

• Increases urine output

Treatments:

• Anxiety and depression

• Amenorrhea- irregular or absent periods

• Chronic fatigue and insomnia

• Constipation and diarrhea

• Eczema

• Headaches and migraines

• Nausea and vomiting

• Strengthens the immune system

Contraindications

• Though mugwort is safe to use while pregnant, use with caution as it can induce labor or a miscarriage

• Mugwort is related to ragweed, so if you are allergic to ragweed, chances are you could be allergic to mugwort as well

• If you are allergic to celery, birch, or carrot, also proceed with caution, as there is an allergy connection with plants that fall in the Apaiceae family

Products

Make sure to ask your acupuncturist if foot or navel patches are right for you and you can pick up at your next visit!

Wormwood Foot Patches

Qi Ai Warm Foot Patch Box

Mugwort Navel Patches

References

Christiansen, Sherry. What Is Mugwort?” Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/mugwort-benefits-side-effects-dosage-and-interactions-4767226.

Deng, Hongyong and Shen, Xueyong. "The Mechanism of Moxibustion: Ancient Theory and Modern Research”. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3789413/.

Dharmananda, Subhuti. “Moxibustion: Practical Considerations for Modern Use of an Ancient Technique”. Retrieved from http://www.itmonline.org/arts/moxibustion.htm.

Lade, Heiko. “What is a Moxa Patch?” Retrieved from https://www.theacupunctureclinic.co.nz/what-is-a-moxa-patch/.

Nowakowski, Rachel. “The Healing Power of Moxa”. Retrieved from https://daoisttraditions.edu/healing-power-moxa/.

“Moxibustion in Acupuncture: What You Should Know”. Retrieved from https://www.aiam.edu/acupuncture/moxibustion/.

“Navel Moxibustion, and What It Can Do for You”. Retrieved from https://www.nspirement.com/2017/08/14/navel-moxibustion-and-what-it-can-do-for-you.html.

The Magic of Medicinal Mushrooms

There are thousands of mushroom varieties, but few are recognized as medicinal. Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore bearing fruit of fungus, or fruiting body, and grow on bark, the ground, and decay, or if it is a parasitic variety, insects. The medicinal properties of mushrooms lie in the beta-glucans, which can stimulate the immune system’s defense against bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection. Beta glucans largely are stored in the mushroom’s fruiting body, and are essential to receiving the full benefits of the mushrooms.

About 85% of the world’s mushrooms are grown in China, along with most of the pure extracts, which contain the fruiting body. The US largely produces mushrooms from myceliated grain, which is the grain host for the mushroom root system, or mycelium. Once the mushrooms form, they are dried and ground up for use in supplements, but are ground up with the grain included. If a supplement contains myceliated grain, that means you are ingesting more of the grain and less of the nutritious fruiting body. If a supplement really contains mushrooms, it will list the fruiting body in the ingredients. Another key ingredient to high quality and nutrition mushroom supplements is the beta glucans. Look for a higher beta glucan count for higher nutrition.

There are several medicinal mushrooms, including Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, and Button, all with different health benefits. Today we’ll focus on three: Reishi is known as the Immortality Mushroom, Lion’s Mane is known as the Mushroom of the Mind, and Cordyceps are known as the Caterpillar Fungus. Each medicinal mushroom has its own unique medicinal properties, but all of them work to boost the immune system.

Reishi

Reishi mushrooms, also known as the King of Mushrooms due to its many medicinal properties, refers to several species of mushrooms. The most common species is called Ganoderma Lucidum, and refers to the shiny surface of the mushroom. Used medicinally for thousands of years, ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners called them Lingzhi (灵芝), meaning “herb of spiritual potency” due to its ability to balance Qi. These mushrooms contain over 400 bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, which are associated with immune function, and if taken over time, can greatly improve immune health. Reishi can also be used to promote calmness, and in TCM, Reishi is used to support a long life, support healthy aging, and boost Qi. These mushrooms are also adaptogenic, meaning the bioactive compounds help the body function better at the cellular level, and helps the mind and body adapt to health changes and maintain allostasis. Allostasis is the process of maintaining homeostasis through the adaptive change of the body’s internal environment to meet existing and anticipated demands.

Other properties of Reishi mushroom support: anti-bacterial, anti-candida, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, stress reducer, regulates blood pressure, blood sugar moderator, supports heart health, cholesterol reducer, immune enhancer, and supports digestion, lungs/respiratory, and nerves. Reishi mushrooms can be ingested in capsule or powder form… it is not known for its delicious taste when cooked. You can also put a scoop of ground Reishi mushroom in your coffee in the morning for an extra boost.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are known for supporting brain function and neuron generation. They contain beta-glucans, which are antioxidants that regulate the immune system, and are also neuro-protective phytonutrients. Also containing hericenones and erinacines, which promote nerve synthesis, Lion’s Mane supports nerve growth and motor function. Studies have also shown that this mushroom helps with memory loss associated with aging, showing that adults taking Lion’s Mane had heightened brain function compared to those not taking it. TCM uses this mushroom to treat the spleen, stress-related disorders, and low Qi due to its association with digestion, water regulation, and energy. To incorporate Lion’s Mane mushrooms into your diet, try adding a supplement to your coffee or a smoothie.

Other properties of Lion’s Mane: anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immune enhancer.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps mushrooms are parasitic fungi that feed on insects and are known for boosting energy and improving lung capacity. Studies show that the consumption of Cordyceps mushrooms increased the production of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate), the compound that gives cells energy, in rodents and humans, making this mushroom great for exercise and physical performance. Other early studies have shown that Cordyceps support healthy levels of inflammation and immune markers in humans, animals, and test tubes. There are even studies to test whether certain varieties have hormone regulating properties, supporting an increase in libido for women and an increase in sperm health for men.

One particular variety, Cordyceps Sinensis, is a rare combination of caterpillar and fungi, and is the most expensive mushroom in the world. Grown only in the Himalayan Plateau in China and not yet common in the US market, 1 kilogram costs $20,000, meaning if a supplement claims to contain this mushroom, it is likely false advertising. If a Cordyceps product is grown in the United States, chances are it was grown with myceliated grain. Cordyceps Militaris is the only Cordyceps species that can be commercially produced to create a mushroom, and is an affordable and nutritionally comparable Cordyceps to Cordyceps Sinensis. To incorporate Cordyceps into your diet, take in a supplement that does not contain myceliated grains.

Other properties of Cordyceps: anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, anti-viral, regulates blood pressure, blood sugar modulator, supports heart health, cholesterol reducer, immune enhancer, stress reducer, sexual potentiator, enhances gut health, and supports lungs and nerves.

Recipes

Peppermint Chocolate Eggnog Latte

• 200 ml (7 fl oz) oat milk or milk of your choice, warm or cold

• 1/4 cup eggnog

• 2 tbsps of Real Mushrooms Hot Chocolate Mix (blend of 5 varieties of healing mushrooms: Turkey Tail, Maitake, Shitake, Reishi, + Chaga)

• Peppermint oil, start with one drop + add more to taste

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in mug + stir. If you want your latte to taste more heavily of nog, swap the recommended amounts of eggnog + milk

Lion’s Mane “Steak”

• 2 large dried Lion’s Mane mushrooms

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp vegan butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt + pepper

Marinade:

• 2 cups water

• 3/4 cup black vinegar (or substitute white vinegar + mix in some A1 sauce)

• 2 tsp mushroom powder extract

• 1 tsp methyl cellulose (for thickening)

• 1 tsp cocoa powder

• 1 tsp beetroot powder

• 2 tsp nutritional yeast

• 1 tsp pomegranate molasses

• 1 tsp blackstrap molasses

• 1 tsp soy lecithin (for emulsification)

• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil

Directions:

1. Perforate the dried Lion’s Mane mushrooms with a mechanical meat tenderizer

2. Create the marinade by combining the ingredients into a food processor or blender + slowly drizzle in the melted coconut oil as the marinade blends.

3. Add the mushrooms to a tofu press + cover with the marinade.

4. Place the lid of the tofu press onto the soaking mushrooms + push down to flatten them (use the highest setting you can).

5. Refrigerate the marinating mushroom in the tofu press for 2-3 hours.

6. Remove the mushrooms from the marinade after refrigeration and slightly pat them dry (top + bottom) without forcing too much marinate out.

7. Season the top + bottom of the mushroom with salt, pepper, + garlic powder.

8. Heat the pan (preferably cast iron) to medium and add your vegan butter + olive oil.

9. Add the mushrooms into the pan, press them down firmly as you cook them on each side.

Cordyceps Militaris with Linguini

• 2 ounces fresh Cordyceps mushrooms whole

• 3 ounces dried high quality linguine or spaghetti, preferably Rustichella, or Masciarelli

• 1 tablespoon toasted breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for finishing

• 1 large shallot cut in half, then julienned thinly

• 2 tablespoons fresh sliced chives

• 1/4 cup dry white wine

• Kosher salt + pepper to taste

• Handful of fresh watercress trimmed into 1-2 inch pieces

• Dried red pepper flakes optional, to taste

Directions:

1. Gently cook the shallot and oil in an 8 inch saute pan, stirring occasionally, until the shallot is wilted and soft. Add the wine and reduce by half.

2. Add the Cordyceps to the pan and wilt, then turn off the heat. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.

3. Drain the pasta, then toss with the mushrooms in the pan.

4. Double check the seasoning for salt, add some of the chili flakes to taste if using, then toss in the watercress and chives, season with a little more olive oil to taste, return the pan to the heat just to warm through, to avoid over cooking the cress and the mushrooms, and divide the pasta between two warmed bowls, garnishing with the breadcrumbs and chives.

References

“3 Mushroom Hot Chocolate Recipes”. Retrieved from https://www.realmushrooms.com/mushroom-hot-chocolate-recipes/.

“Cordyceps Militaris.” Retrieved from https://foragerchef.com/cordyceps-militaris/.

“How to Identify Myceliated Grain”. Retrieved from https://www.realmushrooms.com/how-to-identify-myceliated-grain/.

“Medicinal Mushrooms: 7 Kinds and Their Unique Health Benefits”. Retrieved from https://www.realmushrooms.com/7-medicinal-mushroom-benefits-for-health/.

“Recipes”. Retrieved from https://www.realmushrooms.com/recipes/.

“Reishi Mushroom Benefits & Usage: A Comprehensive Guide”. Retrieved from https://www.realmushrooms.com/reishi-mushroom-benefits/.

Benefits of Chinese Foot Baths

Foot Baths are an Ancient Chinese practice of soaking your feet in hot water and herbs before bed each night. It is believed to have many health benefits, that of which change with the seasons. In Spring, foot baths tone the Yang (energy), and prevent the depletion of Qi (life force).

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that if the human body were a tree, the head is the branches, the body is the trunk, and the feet are the roots, so in order to treat our illnesses, we must water our roots. Seeing as how one quarter of the body’s bones are in the feet, as well as 72,000 nerve endings and 6 meridians, it is important to consider and take care of our feet for overall well being.

Foot baths also increase circulation, which is highly beneficial in colder regions. Soaking your feet increases the heart rate the same way as exercising, which is helpful for those who are physically inhibited. Cardiovascular activity is essential for our body to process efficiently, so foot baths are highly effective for those with more sedentary lifestyles.

How to do at home:

There are several stages to the foot bath process, and the real healing begins after several baths. If one struggles with poor circulation, the first few baths might only warm the feet. After several baths, if circulation improves, one will feel the heat from the bath rising up the legs, through the body where one might feel an increase in heart rate, to the head. At this point, one may start sweating, and this signals the end of the bath session. To do this at home, follow the steps below.

1. Boil water to 104℉, or a comfortable temperature, with desired herbs

2. Pour liquid into foot bath- use any container that holds water and that your feet can fit in

3. Soak feet before bed for 20 minutes, or until you break a sweat

4. After soak, dry your feet and keep them warm

Common foot bath herbs:

Herbs, salts, and oils enter the bloodstream through the skin and affect our systems with their terpenes, alkaloids, and volatile oils. Their medicinal properties are only effective if there is significant blood circulation, which comes from the warmth of the bath opening the pores. Below is a list of herbs and salts to use for a soothing Spring bath soak:

• Epsom Salt: alleviates constipation, relieves pain, reduces fatigue, improves sleep

• Himalayan Salt: relieves pain

• Ginger and Dandelion: good for flu relief

• Mugwort: promotes blood circulation, relieves pain, soothes menstrual cramps, regulates qi

• Chrysanthemum: anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, relieves stress, sadness, anger

• Skullcap: relieves tension headaches

Conditions foot baths can treat:

• Insomnia

• Bunions and athlete’s foot

• Colds

• Eczema and other skin allergies

• Joint pain

• Heart disease

• Menstruation

• Alzheimer’s

• Gastrointestinal disease

• Kidney disease

• Constipation

• Sexual appetite

Long-term health benefits:

• Reduce fatigue

• Calm the mind and improve sleep quality

• Lower blood pressure

• Improve skin condition and beauty

• Strengthen muscles and bones

• Increase blood circulation

Do NOT do foot baths if:

• You are pregnant

• Have metastatic cancer

• Have an active infection

• Have a disease made worse with increasing circulation

• Have had recent surgery/have an open wound

References:

“Benefits of a TCM Foot Bath”. Retrieved from https://www.susannekaufmann.com/blogs/journal/benefits-of-a-tcm-foot-bath.

“DIY Chinese herbal foot soak”. Retrieved from https://acupuncturefitzroy.com/2019/06/02/herbal-foot-soak/.

“History of the Foot Soak”. Retrieved from https://naturallylondon.com/blogs/from-feet-to-face/92107590-first-post.

“How Chinese Foot Baths Can Improve Your Health”. Retrieved from https://daoistgate.com/how-chinese-foot-baths-can-improve-your-health/.

“Treating Chronic Pain with Tibetan Foot Soaks”. Retrieved from https://valleyhealthclinic.com/tibetan-herbal-foot-soaks/.

“Why do Chinese people love foot bath?” Retrieved from https://wuhealing.com/blog/2020/9/16/why-do-chinese-people-love-foot-bath.