Saint Louis UniversityCollege of Nursing

SUBMITTED BY:CERIACO, Chedan

CALICA, Angelica BiancaCAYAGO, Vanelyn

DIPASUPIL, Ma. YsabelKIMPAY, Maryl

LAROCO, Timmy IvyLOMITENG, Angelica

MOXIBUSTION

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years; in fact, the actual Chinese character for acupuncture, translated literally, means "acupuncture-moxibustion." The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of traditional Chinese medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health.

Moxibustion treats and prevents diseases by applying heat to points or certain locations of the human body. The material used is mainly " moxa - wool " in the form of a cone or stick. For centuries, moxibustion and acupuncture have been used in clinical practice, thus they are usually termed together in Chinese. Chapter 73 of Miraculous Pivot states, “A disease that may not be treated by acupuncture may be treated by moxibustion.” In Introduction to Medicine it says, “When a disease fails to respond to medication and acupuncture, moxibustion is suggested.”Other common name(s): acumoxa, auricular mo, moxabustion

Types of Moxibustion1. Direct moxibustion- a small, cone-shaped amount of moxa is

placed on top of an acupuncture point and burned. - Categorized into two types

a. Scarring moxibustion- the moxa is placed on a point, ignited, and allowed to remain onto the point until it burns out completely. This may lead to localized scarring, blisters and scarring after healing.b. Non-scarring moxibustion- the moxa is placed on the point and lit, but is extinguished or removed before it burns the skin. The patient will experience a pleasant heating sensation that penetrates deep into the skin, but should not experience any pain, blistering or scarring unless the moxa is left in place for too long.

2. Indirect moxibustion - is currently the more popular form of care because there is a much lower risk of pain or burning.A practitioner lights one end of a moxa stick, roughly the shape and size of a cigar, and holds it close to the area being treated for several minutes until the area turns red. Another form of indirect moxibustion uses both acupuncture needles and moxa. A needle is inserted into an acupoint and retained. The tip of

the needle is then wrapped in moxa and ignited, generating heat to the point and the surrounding area. After the desired effect is achieved, the moxa is extinguished and the needle(s) removed.

Theory and PracticePractitioners use moxa to warm regions and acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation through the points and inducing a smoother flow of blood and qi. Scientific research has shown that mugwort acts as an emmenagogue, meaning that it stimulates blood-flow in the pelvic area and uterus. It is claimed that moxibustion militates against cold and dampness in the body and can supposedly serve to turn breech babies.

Medical historians believe that moxibustion pre-dated acupuncture, and needling came to supplement moxa (jgmnhs) after the 2nd century BC. Different schools of acupuncture use moxa in varying degrees. For example a five-element acupuncturist will use moxa directly on the skin, whilst a TCM-style practitioner will use rolls of moxa and hold them over the point treated.

Process and Volume for MoxibustionThe Precious Prescriptions points out that " Moxibustion is

generally applied to yang portion first, then yin portion; clinically it is applied to the upper part first and then the lower part.” Treat the back first, the abdominal region second; the head and body first and the four extremities second. But the sequence should be given according to the pathological conditions.

The volume for moxibustion, including the size of moxa cone or duration of the moxa stick application should be in parallel to the patient’s pathological conditions, general constitution, age and the site where moxibustion is to be applied. Generally, three to seven moxa cones are used for each point, and ten to fifteen minutes for the application of moxa stick.

Large blisters should be punctured and drained. If pus is formed, the blister should be dressed to prevent further infection.

Uses of Moxibustion 1. In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is used on people

who have a cold or stagnant condition. The burning of moxa is believed to expel cold and warm the meridians, which leads to smoother flow of blood and qi.

2. In Western medicine, moxibustion has successfully been used to turn breech babies into a normal head-down position prior to childbirth. A landmark study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 found that up to 75% of women suffering from breech presentations before childbirth

had fetuses that rotated to the normal position after receiving moxibustion at an acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian.

3. Other studies have shown that moxibustion increases the movement of the fetus in pregnant women, and may reduce the symptoms of menstrual cramps when used in conjunction with traditional acupuncture.

4. Mugwort, also known as artemesia vulgaris or ai ye in Chinese acts as an emmenagogue, an agent that increases blood circulation to the pelvic area and uterus and stimulates menstruation. This could explain its use in treating breech births and menstrual cramps.

5. Practitioners consider moxibustion to be especially effective in the treatment of chronic problems, "deficient conditions" (weakness), and gerontology.

6. Bian Que (fl. circa 500 BC), one of the most famous semi-legendary doctors of Chinese antiquity and the first specialist in moxibustion, discussed the benefits of moxa over acupuncture in his classic work. He asserted that moxa could add new energy to the body and could treat both excess and deficient conditions. On the other hand, he advised against the use of acupuncture in an already deficient (weak) patient, on the grounds that needle manipulation would leak too much energy.

Contraindications1. Excess syndrome and heat syndrome (including high fever caused by common cold or heat due to yin deficiency) are not allowed to be treated by moxibustion. It is stated in Treatise on Febrile Diseases that “a patient with feeble and rapid pulse should not be treated by moxibustion. Although the heat of moxibustion is weak, strong internal impact may produce, “indicating that improper moxibustion may bring bad results.2. Scarring moxibustion should not be applied to the face and head, and the area in the vicinity of the large blood vessels. According to the recordings of ancient literature, there are certain points which are advisable to acupuncture but not suitable for moxibustion, because most of them are close to the vital organs or arteries. Examples are Jingming (B 1), close to the eyeball, and Renying (S 9), above a large artery.3. The abdominal region and lumbo-sacral region of the pregnant woman are not allowed to use moxibustion.

Management after MoxibustionAfter moxibustion, different degrees of burns may remain in the

local region, or there is only a slight red sign of burning which will disappear very soon. But sometimes, a few blisters result on the skin

surface. Take care not to let small blisters break. They can be healed by themselves.

Precautions to consider in MoxibustionAlthough moxibustion has been safely used in traditional

Chinese medicine for centuries, it is not for everyone. Because it is used specifically for patients suffering from cold or stagnant constitutions, it should not be used on anyone diagnosed with too much heat. Burning moxa also produces a great deal of smoke and a pungent odor. Patients with respiratory problems may request that their practitioner use smokeless moxa sticks as an alternative.

Direct moxibustion can burn the skin. Oils from mugwort and wormwood can cause toxic reactions if taken internally, although their toxicity is much lower when applied externally. Mugwort is on the Commission E (GermanyÂ’s regulatory agency for herbs) list of unapproved herbs. This means that it is not recommended for internal use because it has not been proven to be safe or effective, due to the possibility that it may cause miscarriage or abortion in pregnant women. Moxibustion can result in burns and may be dangerous for diabetics due to reduced sensation and problems with infection. Relying on this type of treatment alone, and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care, may have serious health consequences.

I. DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. MOXIBUSTION Burning of moxa as counterirritant: in Eastern medicine,

the practice of burning a cone or cylinder of downy or woolly material derived from various plants on the skin for its counterirritant effect.

[Mid-19th century, blend of moxa + combustion]

2. MOXA Plant propagation used as counterirritant: in Eastern

medicine, a cone or cylinder of downy or wooly material

derived from various plants that is burned in the skin for its counterirritant effect

[Late 17th century, Japanese, “MOGUSA” or burning herb]

3. COUNTERIRRITANTSkin irritant supposed to reduce inflammation: a skin

cream that produces an irritation to reduce underlying tissue inflammation.

4. OILThick greasy liquid: a liquid fat, obtained from seeds,

animal fats, mineral deposits, and other sources, that does not dissolve in water and will burn.

5. SYRUP Sweet fluid: a liquid made of sugar dissolved in water by

heating, widely used in candy making. Syrups vary in density and strength, and can be boiled

down to form caramel.

6. HONEYSweet substance made by bees: a sweet sticky golden-

brown fluid produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. Use in cooking, spread on bread, or added on tea.

7. DECOCTIONThe extraction of an essence or active ingredient from a

substance by boiling.

8. DECANTATIONThe process of pouring a liquid gently and carefully from

one container to another so as not to disturb sediment.

9. ESSENTIAL OILSKnown as volatile or ethereal oils. These are the

concentrated aromatic essences of plants. They are found in special cells of flowers, leaves, seeds, wood of trees. More than four hundred essences have been identified although about only fifty are available to the public. These essences provide antiseptic protection to the growing plant. Their main attraction is their fragrance. This seductive scent behind the appeal of aromatherapy is applied mainly via message.

Essential oils can be used to uplift, refresh, or relax, the mind, body, and spirit. They soothe muscles, and

beautify the skin. They may also be used to treat common ailments, in room sprays, in incenses, and in the bath.

10. GARLICScientific Name: Allium Sativum Linn.Tagalog: Bawang

A bulb with strong odor: A bulb or clove with a pungent odor and flavor that is commonly used in cooking.

Garlic has clustered bulb made of several bulblets (Cloves) enclosed in a papery tunic. It has single stem with long, thin leaves and an umbel of edible flowers, of which some are replaced sterile bulbils.

Uses:The cloves add flavour to savoury dishes, especially

in hot countries where the plants develop the best flavour. Garlic purifies the blood that helps control acne, and clotting. Tests confirm antibiotic activity against sample of candida, cholera, staphylococcus, salmonella, dysentery, and typhus; and a mild anti-fungal action. Garlic clears catarrh, thus providing treatment for colds, bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and whooping cough. New test suggests it has a role in treating lead poisoning, some carcinomas, and diabetes.

11. GINGERScientific Name: Zingiber Officinale RoscoeTagalog: Luya

Hot-tasting spice: the hot- tasting edible underground stem rhizome of an Asian plant, eaten fresh, pickled, candied, or in powdered from as a spine, especially in Asian cooking.

Ginger has an aromatic rhizome; erect stems of two ranks, lance- shaped leaves, and spikes of white flowers.

Uses: The rhizome is used fresh, dried, pickled, and

preserved. Essential to Oriental dishes, it is used elsewhere in desserts and cordials. The shoots, leaves, and inflorescence of Zingiber are eaten raw or cooked. Crystallized or infused Ginger suppresses nausea. A steam inhalation treats colds and lung infections. Ginger tea eases indigestion and flatulence, and reduces fevers. One

drop of the root essential oil in a massage blend helps relieves muscular pain, rheumatism, lumbago, and fatigue.

12. CHILIScientific Name: Capsicum AnnumTagalog: Sili

Pod with strong flavor: a narrow red or green hot- tasting pod produced by various types of capsium pepper plant. Use for flourishing, sauces and relishes.

Uses:Arthritis and rheumatism: Crush fruit, mix with oil

and apply on affected part. Dyspepsia and flatulence: Eaten as condiment or drank as infusion as a stimulant and antispasmodic. Infusion of the fruit is stimulant, stomachic and antispasmodic; used for dyspepsia and flatulence. Toothache: Juice of the pepper pressed into the tooth cavity. Rheumatism: Poultice of cayenne applied over affected parts. Scalp ringworm: Strong infusion o fruit applied as lotion.

13. LAGUNDIScientific Name:English: Five- leaved Chaste treeTagalog: Lagundi, KamalanIlocano: DanglaVisayan: Tugas

Lagundi is found, often common, throughout the Philippines at low and medium altitudes, in waste places, thickets, etc. It also occurs in tropical East Africa, Madagascar, India to Japan, and southward through Malaya to western Polynesia.

This plant is an erect, branched shrub 2 to 5 meters in height. The leaves have usually five leaflets (rarely three), which are palmately arranged. The leaflets are lanceolate, 4 to 10 centimeters long, hairy beneath, and pointed at both ends, the middle leaflets being larger than the others and distinctly stalked. The flowers are numerous, blue, 6 to 7 millimeters long, and borne in terminal inflorescences (panicles) 10 to 20 centimeters long. The calyx is hairy, and 5-toothed. The corolla is densely hairy in the throat, and the middle lobe of the lower lip is the longest. The fruit is a succulent drupe,

black when ripe, rounded, and about 4 millimeters in diameter.

Uses:roots and leaves – for pain, bitter tonic, expectorant and diuretic;sap from crushed leaves – for coughs and sore throat;leaf decoction – for wounds, ulcers, aromatic baths, and internally to promote the flow of milk, to induce menstruation, against gastric colic, and against flatulence.seeds – boiled and eaten to prevent the spread of toxins from poisonous bites of animals;flowers – for diarrhea, cholera and liver disorders

II. MATERIALS

1. BLS OIL/ BAWANG, LUYA, SILI OILGARLIC OILMinced garlic, ½ cup50 ml coconut oilcooking potladlecheese clothmedicine bottlelabel

GINGER OIL ½ cup fresh ginger, cut into chunks50 ml coconut oilcooking potladlecheese clothmedicine bottlelabel

CHILI OIL½ cup chopped green chili50 ml coconut oilcooking potladlecheese clothmedicine bottlelabel

2. LAGUNDI SYRUPMaterials:Lagundi leavesCooking potLadleCup strainMedicine bottleSugar or honeyWater

Proportion:1 cup chopped lagundi leaves to 1cup water.

III. PROCEDURE/ STEPS

A. Collection of Medicinal Plants

1. BSL OIL/ BAWANG, LUYA, SILI OIL

If bought in the market:- Be sure that there is no presence of damage, cut or black

discoloration- Be sure that they are neatly packed, dry and don’t contain

unnecessary pests.- They should be intact, not tender or moist and should smell

normally- Those with grown molds must be discarded- Place them in a clean container and avoid exposing them to

hot temperature.

If harvested or collected in a garden: - Garlic

Harvesting of garlic starts during the dry season when long days high temperature are favorable to the rapid maturity of the bulbs. Maturity is evident the tips of the leaves are partly dried or when they begin to fall over. Usually, harvesting is done 10 to 150 days after planting. Yellowing of the leaves is also sign o maturity. Never harvest immature bulb as they tend to rot when stored, or they don’t keep as long as the matured ones do. In

harvesting, the tops are cut 2.5 centimeters above the bulbs and the roots are trimmed after harvesting.

Drying improves the storing quality of garlic. Weather determines the quality of garlic. Garlic dries rapidly in sunny or windy conditions within a week or two weeks time. It results in a better appearance than those dried alternately under sunny and rainy days. Alternate drying and wetting tends to break down the external skin, exposing the cloves in the process.

- GingerThe rhizomes are ready to be harvested as soon as

the stalks begin to dry and wither. Intense digging with sharp tools should be observed to avoid injuring the rhizomes.

- ChiliPepper has three stages of maturity. Fruits may be

harvested at each stage of maturity.The first stage is called Green Mature- when the

fruit has reached its full size but still green all over. The second stage is called Breaker- when discoloration has started at the blossom end with the appearance of red spots.

Green Mature and Breakers are harvested when they are to be sold for distant markets. Third stage is called Red Ripe- when pepper has fully become fully red in color. The peppers harvested at this stage are prepared for canning, food decoration and powder preparation.

Snapping or twisting the fruits from their stems does harvesting.

2. LAGUNDI - Collection should be done in the morning (6- 9 am) so as to

gather fresh and misty leaves from dusts.- As much as possible choose leaves that are dark green and

well matured.- Use a cutter or a pair of scissors in cutting instead of just

forcefully pulling or twitching in circular motion so as to avoid squeezing the plants juice.

- Carefully pull the leaves one- by -one from the stem. Leave those which are not fully matured, dried and yellowish in color.

- Wash the leaves and place them in an open container (air circulation: to maintain freshness) but be sure to keep them away from sunlight or hot temperature. As much as possible

place them in the refrigerator while preparing other materials to avoid contamination.

B. Preparation- Put on your apron and neatly tie your hair then do hand

washing before and after working.- Prepare all the needed materials. Be sure that they are

complete and placed in your working area (kitchen).- Be sure that your materials are clean or sterile.- Prepare some cloths or rags incase of accident spilling of any

fluid, etc.- You should be aware of electrical measures especially when

you are using electrical devices (e.g. electric stove).- You should know the proper procedures to be done of if not,

see to it that you have a copy of the correctly sequenced procedures.

- Have your watch with you foe the checking of time or time allotment required for every procedure to be done.

C. Actual Cooking Procedure

1. BLS OIL/ BAWANG, LUYA, SILI OILGINGER OIL1. Place ginger into cooking pot on lowest setting, or low

alternate heat setting.2. Cover with the oil.3. Leave on for two days with monitoring as not to boil or burn

the oil.(The cover should be left ajar to allow the evaporation of water from the ginger.)

4. Decant and strain your oil.5. Let your oil sit in a clear container for a day, and you may see

some additional water – oil separation.6. Separate them by carefully pouring off the oil from the water.

Be sure to complete your oil so that it has no remaining water content.

7. Transfer the oil into the sterilized medicine bottles. Seal and label properly.

8. Store your bottled ginger oil in a clean, dry place.

GARLIC OIL1. Heat oil into cooking pot on lowest setting, or low alternate

heat setting.2. Fill a shallow bowl or soup dish with finely chopped garlic

cloves.3. Pour enough coconut oil to cover the garlic.

4. Cover the bowl or dish with cheese cloth to keep the dust out 5. Press or strain off the oil mixture through cheese cloth 6. Separate them by carefully pouring off the oil from the water.

Be sure to complete your oil so that it has no remaining water content.

7. Transfer the oil into the sterilized medicine bottles. Seal and label properly.

8. Store your bottled garlic oil in a clean, dry place away from light.

CHILI OIL1. Place chopped green chili into cooking pot on lowest setting,

or low alternate heat setting.2. Cover with the oil.3. Leave on for two days with monitoring as not to boil or burn

the oil.a. (The cover should be left ajar to allow the evaporation of

water from the ginger.)4. Decant and strain your oil.5. Let your oil sit in a clear container for a day, and you may see

some additional water – oil separation.6. Separate them by carefully pouring off the oil from the water.

Be sure to complete your oil so that it has no remaining water content.

7. Transfer the oil into the sterilized medicine bottles. Seal and label properly.

8. Store your bottled chili oil in a clean, dry place.

2. LAGUNDI LEAVES1. In an uncovered pot, prepare a decoction of the lagundi

leaves.2. Cool and strain.3. Measure the amount of decoction that you produce. One-

third of this volume will be the amount of sugar or honey that you are going to use.

4. Add your sweetener, stirring gently. You may put the mixture back on the stove, with low heat, until the sweetener is dissolved or blended with the mixture. This is your syrup.

5. Transfer the syrup into the sterilized medicine bottles. Seal and label properly.

6. Store your bottled lagundi syrup in a clean, cool, dry place away from light.

D. Labeling and Storage

1. BLS OIL/ BAWANG, LUYA, SILI OIL

- The bottles should be labeled properly and legibly.- They should be stored or kept in a medicine cabinet with

average temperature because cool temperature may solidify the oil (since coconut oil was used).

- Keep them together with medications that are also applied so as to avoid accidentally drinking them.

2. LAGUNDI SYRUP- The bottle should be labeled properly and legibly.- If the syrup is honey-based, it shouldn’t be kept inside the

refrigerator because it will harden or solidify at once within a few hours and it will take several days or even weeks for it to retrieve its colloid or syrup form. Storing it in a cabinet with average temperature is preferable.

- If the syrup is table sugar-based, it is preferable to be stored in the refrigerator (not in the freezer).

IV. INDICATIONS AND DOSAGE

BLS OILS

a. Bawang (garlic) oil

IndicationsApplying oil to the area inflicted by athlete’s foot makes a temporary relief from itching. Temporarily cures ringworm infection.

DosageFor athlete’s foot: Apply 1/3 tsp on the itchy areas 2 times a day. For ringworm: Apply only a drop if on a nail; half a teaspoon if on skin; and 1 tablespoon if on hair, 2 times a day – in the morning after the morning bath & at bedtime.

b. Luya (ginger) oil

IndicationsApplication of the root essential oil to affected areas through massage helps relieves muscular pain, rheumatism, lumbago, and fatigue.

DosageApply only a few drops of the oil to the affected body area due to muscular pain, rheumatism, lumbago, and fatigue 2 times a day.

c. Sili (chili) oil

IndicationsTemporarily cures ringworm through spreading the oils on the affected areas. Applying the oil on areas affected by rheumatism & arthritis makes a relief.

DosageApply at least 1 tablespoon of the oil on the scalp infected by ringworm, a drop if on nail, and ½ tsp if on the skin 2 times a day. For arthritis and rheumatism, apply only several drops on the affected areas 2 times a day.

LAGUNDI SYRUP

IndicationsFor the relief of cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation as may occur with the common cold and sore throat. In women, in take of the syrup promotes the flow of milk, induces menstruation. Syrup is also against gastric colic and flatulence.

DosageFor cough, common colds, sore throat: 2-6 years=1tsp; 7-12 years=one and a half tsp; adults=2 tsp. Intake is 3 times a day.

V. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PRECAUTIONS

1. BLS OILS 1. Their containers should be covered tightly so as to avoid

contamination of any kind or entrance of vapors, chemicals, and water, which may trigger any chemical reactions.

2. They should be kept out of reach of children.3. Avoid applying them near the eyes for they may cause

irritation or hot-sensation.4. Too much amount may irritate the skin.5. Do not eat them or use them for cooking purposes.6. Keep them away from any source of fire (e.g. stoves, lighted

candles, etc.).7. Discard bottles properly/throw them to proper trash can

when consumed.8. Do not apply to broken skins.

2. LAGUNDI SYRUP1. Bottle should be covered tightly so as to avoid contamination

of any kind on entrance of vapor on water that may trigger any chemical reactions.

2. Keep out of reach of children

3. People with diabetes mellitus should consult a doctor before taking the syrup.

4. Discard bottle properly or throw it to proper trashcan when it is already empty.

5. Discontinue use if sediments start occurring.

VI. REFERENCES OR BIBILIOGRAPHY

Philippine Herbs: Medicinal Plants for Barangay Herbal Garden,Editha M. Alcodia and Rolando E. Cabanting, Copyright, Philippines 1996 by R. Obed’s Enterprisespp.12, 15, 51, 78, 151, 169

Healing wonders of HerbsHerminia de Guzman –Ladion,RN., A..R.P.T, P.T.R.PCopyright @1985 by Philippine Publishing Housepp.75, 104, 106

http://www.geocities.com/altmedd/moxibustion.htm

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http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=moxibustion&fr=yfp-t-500&toggle=1&cop=&ei=UTF-8

http://www.globalpinoy.com/pinoyhealth/ph_gamotpinoy/silinglabuyo.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile_pepper

http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/prosea/proseaherbal/lagundi_doc.htm