Mother Warming: Using Moxa for Postpartum Recovery
Mother warming is a postpartum treatment that supports recovery after birth. It helps to increase energy, support healthy milk supply, and the best part is that it can be done at home by the mother or a partner!
Mother warming is a technique that utilizes the process of moxibustion, which is the burning of the herb mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near acupuncture points to aid in circulation, alleviate pain, boost energy, and warm the body. In postpartum cases, moxa is used to heat the lower abdomen to stop bleeding and boost energy. For more information about how I utilize moxibustion, check out my services.
HOW TO USE A MOXA STICK
Using a lighter, candle, or gas stove, light the end of your moxa stick. If there is printed paper on the outside, you’ll want to remove this first. Lighting the end of the stick may take a few minutes. Once it’s lit it should glow much like incense.
Hold the lit end about an inch or two from the designated area. It should feel pleasantly warm, not too hot. The moxa stick should never make contact with the skin.
Warm the area using circular movements for the amount of time specified by your acupuncturist. The moxa will produce ash, so tap into an ashtray, mug, or ceramic dish as to not allow ash to fall on skin.
When finished, seal your moxa stick in a glass mason jar, depriving it of oxygen so it stops burning. You can also insert it straight up-and-down into a cup of uncooked rice, making sure the entire lit end is completely covered/smothered.
Your moxa stick can be used multiple times.
MOTHER WARMING
This is a useful one-off treatment given on day four or five after birth. Using a moxa stick, the lower abdomen can be warmed beginning at the top of the pubic bone, and traveling up to the navel. This can be repeated up and down for 5 to 10 minutes or until the mother feels pleasantly warm.
*Please Note: this should not be done on women who have a fever or experience night sweats because using Moxa can heighten these conditions. While it is safe to do if the mother has undergone a cesarian section, it is best to avoid using Moxa if there is any redness or discharge on the scar.
If a partner can assist, the same can be done on the lower back in a T shape motion starting just below the tailbone and traveling up to the lumbar spine.
If you are able, it is also recommended to schedule an acupuncture appointment 10 to 15 days postpartum. This will help your body to continue making quality qi and blood which will help with your overall health into the future.