Column Why is moxibustion effective for lower back pain? The secrets of moxibustion that people do not dare to ask

September 6, 2024

Everyone has experienced lower back pain at some point in their lives.

There are various ways to relieve lower back pain, but in this article, we will focus on moxibustion.

What is moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a treatment that uses the burning of mugwort to provide thermal stimulation to the affected areas.

Moxa is made by drying and refining the fine hairs that grow on the underside of mugwort leaves. It is said to contain a large amount of the component cineole, which is thought to enhance medicinal properties.

Moxa can be burned directly on the skin to leave a mark (direct moxibustion), or it can be burned without leaving a mark (indirect moxibustion).

Moxa has a distinctive smell when it is lit, and many people who are put off by it, but in recent years, moxa that requires no fire has also been developed.

Effects of moxibustion

Moxibustion has the following effects.

Improvement of blood flow and pain relief

The surrounding capillaries dilate due to the thermal stimulation, and the flow of the blood vessels improves.

The thermal effect causes the blood vessels to contract and dilate, which regulates local congestion and stasis, and has also the effect of relieving inflammation and pain. It can be used to treat not only lower back pain, but also a variety of other ailments.

Improvement of immunity and metabolic
functions

Due to the heat stimulation, cytokines are secreted and white blood cells are activated, so an improvement in the immune system can also be expected.

Stimulation of the muscles, blood vessels and lymph nodes beneath the skin activates the cells, improves lymph flow and helps to reduce swelling.

Improvement of the intestinal environment

In Oriental medicine, the routes of communication between the skin surface and internal organs are called meridians, and specific points on these meridians are called acupuncture points (or tsubo in Japanese). These include acupuncture points that regulate the autonomic nervous system and promote the movement of the stomach and intestines, as well as acupuncture points that promote intestinal detoxification. Stimulating these acupuncture points with moxibustion activates the activity of the stomach and intestines and can be expected to improve the intestinal environment.

Why is moxibustion effective on lower back pain?

Moxibustion stimulates peripheral nerves and promotes the activation of the central nervous system and the release of neurotransmitters. It can raise the threshold for localized pain, making it less painful and reducing lower back pain.

Moxibustion also has the effect of promoting blood circulation. As blood flow increases, muscles and other parts of the body get a sufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients, and inflammation is reduced.

In turn, when inflammation is reduced, muscle tension is also relieved. This also leads to the alleviation of lower back pain.

Our clinic’s treatment

As mentioned above, moxibustion has the effect of alleviating lower back pain, and it is possible to expect an improvement in pain symptoms. However, in cases where a condition such as disc herniation has been diagnosed, there are cases where a fundamental treatment is also necessary.

We offer the Cellgel method for repairing damaged intervertebral discs, and the Florence and Q-Florence methods for widening narrowed spinal canals.

All these treatments are minimally invasive, with little impact on the body, and are performed under local anesthesia. They do not require hospitalization and can be done as a day procedure.

The Cellgel method

The Florence method

The Q-Florence method (in Japanese)

In addition, our clinic also offers “back pain-specific rehabilitation”, and we can deal with various types of back pain and back pain in a wide range of age groups.

ILC’s Specialized Back Pain Rehabilitation

OJ Wellness Center

If you are suffering from back pain, please consider a consultation at our clinic.

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