How to use bamboo in direct moxibustion

The use of bamboo as tool associated with the practice of direct moxibustion is very unknown because the only idea that seems to be a bit popular is the application to reduce the burning sensation. Its applications are many and their uses vary according to the style practiced. Bamboo can be used to: 1) Reduce the burning sensation. Uptake of stimuli applied to the body is performed at different speeds, depending on the type of stimulus. The touch or pressure stimulation is faster relative to uptake by the central nervous system. The needle sensation is the second fastest, burning is the third and last, and slower, pain. The application of pressure around the cone at the time it reaches the skin burn uptake decreases the burning sensation. Through this mechanism direct moxibustion won (and continues to gain more and more) adepts to the benefits of this therapy. 2) Diagnose: The pressure on the skin of bamboo allow detect congestion and stagnation in the tissues. After applying pressure we can see that most congested tissues express a change of color (red or purple). With this application we can decide better which point should be treated with moxa.

3) Treatment: Pressure with bamboo can generate a suction effect (cupping effect) and facilitate the decongestion of tissues. 4) Avoid injury of Wei Ki (defensive energy) to access deeper. Depending on the style practiced, bamboo should be applied at a specific time or another. To avoid painful sensation and also minimize maximum the burn, we should apply the tube when the cone is burning at 50%. When we want to minimize the feeling (no matter the burn) we have to apply heavy pressure when the cone is 85% combustion.