A Trip Down Memory Lane
I recently took my son, Yangyang, on a journey to revisit places from my past: my childhood home, elementary school, high school, university, my husband’s hometown, and spots from our early dates. This trip wasn’t just about nostalgia—it deepened my commitment to producing high-quality Artemisia argyi (艾叶) products. One thing is clear: no matter how long it takes, I’ll keep working in this field. Yangyang, meanwhile, has grown braver—he stayed by my side through tough travels and joyful moments alike.
Lessons from the Road: Insights into Moxa Supply
During my trip, I:
- Bought aged moxa (陈艾) and fresh Artemisia-argyi leaves.
- Visited several moxa processing factories.
- Discovered that high-quality aged moxa is rare globally, especially in South Korea and Japan where demand is skyrocketing.
- Noticed price differences for moxa leaves vary greatly by region. Overall, prices are rising.
Back home, I processed a small batch of moxa wool (艾绒) from last year’s aged leaves. It turned out great—but there’s only enough for personal use. Making a full moxa quilt will have to wait!
Family Reactions: From Skepticism to Support
I encouraged my parents and in-laws to try moxibustion:
- Mom: “You should’ve studied medicine!” (She’s amazed but supportive.)
- Dad: After three sessions, he said, “My headaches are gone! Is this real?”
- Grandma (in Shenzhen): She suffered from poor sleep and appetite for two weeks. I gave her back massages and moxa therapy on specific points like Baihui (百会穴) and Zusanli (足三里). Her sleep improved instantly—but her symptoms returned once I left. This proved consistency is key with moxibustion!
Surprisingly, everyone around me now trusts my skills. It’s humbling—and a little overwhelming!
Homecoming: Simple Joys and New Goals
Returning home after 20 days felt like diving into a warm blanket. Despite the messy chores, there’s comfort in simple meals. My husband even mimicked our son: “So delicious! So happy!” (We’re growing closer through this journey.)
Two regrets:
- Didn’t meet old classmates.
- Ran out of Artemisia-argyi leaves for foot soaks. I’ll ask friends to mail more!
Why Aged Artemisia argyi Matters
I tried boiling fresh Artemisia-argyi leaves from my trip. The broth felt silky-smooth—no wonder aged Qi Ai (蕲艾) from Huangmei County is legendary! Next time, I’ll buy more for soaking feet and brewing tea.
