Directions for Moxabustion


Guidelines for using Moxa.


Moxa is a plant (Artemisia argyi Folium) that is used as a heat source to stimulate acupuncture points. Although acupuncture is better known in the West, moxibustion has also been used in traditional treatments for over 2000 years in China and is in fact the second part of the name for acupuncture in the Chinese language (zhen jiu, literally “needle moxa”).

The moxa you have been given as part of your treatment is in the form of a moxa stick and has been compressed into a cigar-like roll that makes it ideal for use at home. Before using moxa you will need to prepare the following:

• A cigarette lighter, matches and a candle
• A small ceramic or glass dish to place any ash in that may form on the moxa stick during treatment
• A small towel to place under the area being treated in case any ash is dropped.
• A glass screw-top jar or a dish with sand or dirt in it to extinguish the moxa when the treatment is finished.


How to use the moxa stick


Light the candle. Simply light one end with a cigarette using the candle. When the stick is correctly lit (you should see a red glowing ember on the whole end of the cigar) you will be able to hold the lit end two to three centimeters from the back of your hand and feel a pleasant radiating warmth.
Hold the lit end of the stick over the area to be treated, maintaining a distance of at least two to three centimeters so that there is never any direct contact with the skin. The moxa stick is then moved slowly over the area being treated, this will begin to feel pleasantly warm.


• When using to turn a breech or posterior positioned baby, the therapeutic time for moxa use is 20 minutes each side. During this time the moxa is briefly lifted away from the point Zhiyin BL- 67 each time it becomes hot before resuming treatment (the pecking technique).

• When used to treat other acupuncture points the moxa stick can be applied for five to seven minutes over each point or until the area begins to feel uncomfortably hot.

Any ash that forms on the end of the stick can be gently brushed off by using the edge of the small dish, so that the moxa stick remains hot. If you suspect there is no longer any heat coming off the moxa stick, check by holding it two to three centimeters away from the back of your hand. Re-light if there is no radiating warmth.

* Never touch the lighted end of a moxa stick even if it no longer appears to be glowing.

When treatment has finished place the moxa stick in a glass jar with the lid screwed on firmly or place the lit end into a candle holder so that the moxa stick is deprived of oxygen and cannot continue to burn. You can also extinguish it in some dirt or sand.
The moxa stick can then be re-lit for repeated treatments according to the instructions you received from your practitioner.

Source The essential guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Childbirth by Debra Betts © 2006
Website http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz

Testimonials From Fertility Patients

Dr, Montgomery has been a powerful influence on my life...

After complications following the birth of my first child I was diagnosed with Asherman's Syndrome - a disease which causes adhesions in the uterine lining. Traditional doctors told me that it would be unlikely that I would have a second child. Naturally, I was extremely grateful to already have one healthy baby bit I longed for a second and wanted, at minimum, to have the ability and choice to provide my daughter with a sibiling.

After being diagnosed with Asherman's, I had two surgeries in an attempt to eradicate the scarring which was causing the walls of mu uteros to ostensibly be stuck together, preventing pregnancy. I worked with Kaleb throughout this time over the course of a year. During the routine pre-op blood work ordered by my western doctor on my way to a third surgery, I learned that I would not need to have the surgery after all as I was pregnant!

I firmly believe that the work Kaleb and I did together _ a combination of acupuncture, re-establishing a framework of openness, acceptance and calm in my life through meditative exercises, journaling, simple yoga stretches and having fun (yes, he gave me homework to have fun and laugh!!!) fuelled my full recovery. My sessions with Kaleb left me feeling listened to, emotionally bouyed and unburdened and no doubt helped me to get -and stay- pregnant.

On May 8th 2007 I gave birth to a secnd healthy baby girl. I thank Kaleb from the bottom of my heart for helping me and my family fulfill a dream and overcome what others said wasn't possible.

Ilona & Arthur

Prior to starting fertility treatments with Dr. Kaleb we had tried all types of conventional medical treatments as well as naturopathic remedies and much much more, it's been a challenging several years with no results. Two months after moving from Australia to Canada for work we found Dr. Kaleb, who not only performed acupuncture treatments and gave me herbs to take, he insisted on listening, which is very rare and also incredibly helpful for couples that are having trouble conceiving. To our joy, several months into my treatment we conceived a child that is due to enter the world on 14th January - this little miracle is very much owed to your dedication, care and expert knowledge in fertility. Thank you just doesn't seem enough of the joy that you've helped us bring (very soon) into our world.

Forever indebted - Ilona & Arthur

From Miguel

It's incredible how much difference one treatment can make. I tend to get
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Also, I really appreciate how receptive you are to my concerns. I've had my
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Miguel

Trying to Conceive for 3 years

My husband and I had been trying to conceive for three years. After much frustration we decided to go the IVF route in conjunction with acupuncture treatment. Dr. Kaleb was recommended to me and I could not thank that person enough. We had tremendous success with this treatment. The IVF went smoothly with no sickness or complications, we were able to transfer more eggs than normal, our egg quality was superb and I am happy to report that I am 4 months pregnant! I continued with my acupuncture treatment for the first three months of my pregnancy and again I had no sickness or complications. I would highly recommend acupuncture to anyone anticipating child birth, undergoing fertility treatments or for general health. I truly believe it was a big reason for our success.

Amanda

 

 

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