Today I want to share with you a fundamental step in the preparation of my thesis, which is based on the practice of moxibustion. This traditional Chinese medicine technique uses special tobaccos, specifically made from the Mugwort plant, and is applied to approximately 2 cm of the patient's skin. Moxibustion is known for its multiple benefits, among which vasodilation in the treated area stands out, which helps release tension and relieve various complications both physically and energetically. 🌱 The main function of moxibustion is to stimulate circulation and energy flow, promoting the patient's well-being. For my dissertation, I have decided to focus on this technique to treat my patients, and today I want to show you the first step of my procedure.
Today I headed to the garden in search of Mugwort, a fascinating plant crucial to moxibustion due to its ability to conduct heat efficiently. Mugwort is not only known for its medicinal properties, but also for its effectiveness in applying therapeutic heat.
The first step in preparing Mugwort for moxibustion is harvesting the plant. This process is essential, since the quality of the Mugwort collected directly influences the effectiveness of the treatment.
To ensure I got the best branches, I took the time to examine each plant carefully. I looked for those that showed vigorous growth and fresh, green leaves, avoiding those that showed signs of disease or decay, such as yellowing or wilted leaves. This careful selection is crucial to ensure that the medicinal properties of Mugwort remain intact. I used clean, sharp pruning shears to make precise, clean cuts in the branches. It is important to use appropriate tools to avoid damaging the plant and allowing it to regenerate correctly. I made the cuts just above a node or bud, which promotes healthy new growth on the mother plant.
I collected only the amount necessary for the next treatment cycle, avoiding overexploitation of the plants. This sustainable approach ensures that Mugwort continues to grow and is available for future harvests. Sustainability is an important aspect in the use of medicinal plants, and respecting the natural growth cycle of Mugwort is essential to maintaining its long-term availability.
I used pavilo to tie the branches in small bundles, making them easier to handle and later dry. Tying the Artemisia branches in small bundles with bundling is a fundamental step that facilitates both handling and drying the plant. This meticulous process ensures that Mugwort maintains its medicinal properties and is ready for use in moxibustion. It has to be simple and non-invasive.
I hung the bunches of Mugwort upside down, with the branches facing down, in an indoor location. This drying method is crucial to preserve the medicinal properties of the plant. Unlike accelerated drying in the sun, indoor drying ensures controlled dehydration that keeps the healing properties of Mugwort intact.
This is just the first step in a detailed and meticulous process for moxibustion preparation. In future posts, I will show you how I will continue preparing Mugwort and how I will apply the moxibustion technique in my treatments.
I am very excited to share this journey with you and I hope you find this procedure as fascinating as I do.
