Moxibustion at Refresh TCM Wellness – The Nexus of Modernity and TCM

​One defining feature of us Singaporeans is we tend to work ourselves extremely hard and for long hours. This chase for accomplishment brings with it the pains (literally) of tension headaches, backaches, neck and shoulder aches. I am completely sure this happens to a lot of people because every time I visit doctors, they look jaded and can tell me the bad habits I have like long hours in front of the computer, slouching, lack of sleep, etc. ​
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Husband Gabriel and I visited Refresh TCM Wellness center together after coordinating our crazy schedules and went to the outlet at Plaza Singapura because it was centrally located, and we could have dinner together after treatment! ​

As you can see from my picture, it’s modern, clean and doesn’t look like the old school TCM establishments that I somehow cannot drag myself into. 

What captured my attention was they do TCM treatment in a very modern way. For example, the treatment I did was called Moxibustion. It was one of the TCM treatments using dried herbs called mugwort. The traditional Moxas are super smokey and not easy to work with, but the modern Moxas look like huge black cigars which do not smell as strongly and are easier to use. 

Refresh TCM Wellness has other treatments such as Back Massage (背部按摩), Full Body Massage (全身按摩), Meridian (筋络), Lymphatic Drainage (淋巴排毒), Moxibustion (艾灸), and Hip Therapy(髋关节疗法).

Refresh TCM Wellness has other treatments such as Back Massage (背部按摩), Full Body Massage (全身按摩), Meridian (筋络), Lymphatic Drainage (淋巴排毒), Moxibustion (艾灸), and Hip Therapy(髋关节疗法).

​We were arranged to the couple room, and Gabriel and I were able to chit-chat before the session began. The room is clean with the relaxing scent of lemongrass throughout the entire wellness center, and the ambient lighting told my body instantly to relax. Hangers were provided so my shirt wasn’t crumpled from having to be folded, and there were cupboards for us to place our belongings in. 

​The usual clean towels, disposable underwear and shower hat to keep your hair from being obstructive were all provided, and we quickly changed into them. And one thing I would like to highlight is the biodegradable disposable sheet they used. I have to say, I am quite impressed with their environmental awareness.
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Let me start from the beginning, so once we were there, Refresh health manager gave us a consultation to let us know our body constitutions, and recommended the treatment accordingly. I didn't know I have a “cold body” and Gabriel has dampness in him, all these were caused by energy deficiency.

​Moxibustion艾灸
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which dried plant materials called "moxa" are burned on or very near the surface of the skin. The intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi in the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences. Moxa is usually made from the dried leafy material of Chinese mugwort and it is very good for relief tiredness, reduce dampness in our body, improve Qi circulation and strengthen our immunity system.
 
I was so excited as I always have neck and shoulders problems, always tired. Usually at massage sessions the masseuse tries to press your stuff muscles to the point where they’re just regular non-stiff muscles right? For me that has never happened before, and generally just ends up with me bearing with the pain while some masseuse tries their best and eventually gives up. 
 
At the moxibustion session, “problem spots” were identified and together with other vital spots, a burning moxa stick is held near the targeted area of treatment for several minutes. How it felt was indeed that the moxa was held over the identified spots, and warmth radiated from it onwards. At certain spots where I think my skin was too thin or something (really, I get blue blacks from the slightest knocks), before I was able to voice out that it was too hot, the health manager was able to tell and moved the moxa further away from me. Experience and care at its best. So anyway, the session left me markedly more relaxed and refreshed than before I had entered, and though my shoulder muscle didn’t become totally soft like a carefree person’s, it was definitely softer and I must say I left the center more relaxed and happy.

BENEFITS OF MOXIBUSTION:

1. Improves arthritis pain 
2. Boosts immunity
3. Benefits gynaecological issues and help menstrual pain
4. Improvements in headaches and decrease in migraines
5. Improvements from digestive complaints

Refresh TCM Wellness has trial prices and promotions for first-time customers, so if you’ve always had nagging health problems, do contact them and let their health manager recommend what you need after a consultation. 
 
Afterall, we cannot expect improvement if we don’t make changes and try new solutions. ​

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​Refresh TCM Wellness has 4 wellness centers: 

• Plaza Singapura – Unit #03-47 68 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238839 (6733 6344)
• Sun Plaza – Unit #03-24 30  Sembawang Dr, 757713 (6752 4424)
• The Star Vista – Unit #B1-32 1 Vista Exchange Green, Singapore 138617 (6684 2006)
• White Sands – Unit #04-11 61 Pasir Ris Central Street 3, Singapore 518457 (6582 0455)

 
They’re situated across the island, so there’ll definitely be one that’s accessible to you :)
 
Check out more on their website at:
https://www.yongkangtcm.com/
 
Instagram @refreshtcmwellness