#moxa

Heya!

So you are completely correct when you say that organs move qi in certain ways or directions. In addition, organs have different functions with qi and within the body that are specific to them. When an organ is in a state of imbalance, those functions and directions are hindered, stopped, or even sometimes reversed.

There is a saying that basically says “an acupuncture point is what the point does.” Through thousands of years of observation and study Chinese medicine practitioners have observed and figured out what functions and effects these acupuncture points have on the body and the system as a whole.

And so, stimulating and activating these points causes its’ function to be “activated” so to speak, and it begins to play its’ role in the treatment to restore balance and function and directionality to the system.

When you put a needle into the point, we are looking for something called “De Qi” - which is the sensation of the qi at the point being connected to or activated. The patient can sometimes feel this - it could be anything from warmth/cold to achyness to sensation down the channel and sometimes even pain. The practitioner also might feel something - and that is the goal for us. It has been classically described as a fish grabbing onto the hook of your fishing pole - and it really does feel like that lmao. I feel other qi and energetic sensations as well, typically.

Once you have needled and gotten the De Qi of the point, then from there we can leave it at that, or we can influence the qi of that point depending on what the needs of the treatment are, for example tonification or sedation.

Also, acupuncture needles aren’t the only way to treat and use a point! I really like using Teishin/Enshin, which are Japanese style metal tools that simply sit at the surface of the skin and connect to and effect the qi that way. It’s a very gentle technique, and yet surprisingly effective. In this technique I am also feeling and using the qi of the point.

Moxa is another technique, where dried Aiye - or mugwort - is used, either directly or indirectly on the skin. With this, we’re looking for more physical indicators that there was a change, both with the point itself and with the system as a whole.

So I’ll giving an example, but keep in mind that everything is dependent on the entire picture and this is only one aspect, so in reality it would be much more complex than this.

Let’s say that someone is having nausea and vomiting. In Chinese medicine, one aspect and job of the stomach is to send qi and fluids downwards. This makes sense intuitively - biologically we take in substance, the stomach digests it, and it sends it downwards to the small intestine for further digestion!

Anywho, its job is to send things downwards. When the qi of the stomach is hindered, blocked, or otherwise diseased, this typically causes the qi to counterflow or reverse. This means the qi goes UP - and you result with things like belching, heartburn/GERD, hiccups, and of course, vomiting.

And so, to treat this, I need to restore function and directionality of the stomach. This is why it depends on the entire picture - I would need to figure out if the qi is being blocked, hindered, deficient, excess, etc. - and then depending on which one it is, and depending on everything else going on in the system - then I would pick my points and treat.

Also, to add another layer of complexity, in addition to the organs, the body has a complex system of channels throughout it as well. Disease and symptoms can also be based more on the channel than on the organ. In these cases, we would absolutely be treating the qi in these channels. This could mean removing blockages or moving qi up/down the channel, as is necessary and indicated. And of course, this can be done in a variety of ways. Besides the methods listed above, we also have gua sha, cupping, bleeding, topical ointments/herbs, bodywork like shiatsu or tuina, and even qigong or energy work.

Thank you SO MUCH for the ask! I’m always super excited to talk about acupuncture and Chinese medicine (:

I hope this helps, and hope you have a wonderful day!

Mugwort has been a strong ally for me lately.  Magical dreaming plant <3 Handmade with respectfully harvested mugwort leaf, from a sweet plantie ally I have been growing.

These are a little larger than my yarrow studs.

The stud is pure sterling silver and is sturdily soldered to the backing, never glued. 

Silver metal clay is 99% pure silver containing eco-friendly recycled silver. I make my own molds or press a leaf directly into the clay, each one is unique.  I form and cut, file, torch, sand, and polish every piece by hand, then tumble it for strength and extra shine.

All other metal used is sterling silver, oxidized and lightly polished like an antiqued heirloom treasure.

Artemisia vulgaris - Mugwort Leaf - Fine Silver Pendant with BC Jade Lady Mugwort has been calling to me lately. I love this jade 💚 Hand cut in pure silver (pmc)

Artemisia vulgaris - Mugwort in Fine Silver First one I made found a home before I could list it on Etsy 💚