Cupping, Gua Sha & Moxibustion

 

Cupping

 In addition to acupuncture, cupping therapy has been part of Chinese medicine for over 2,500 years. Originally, animal horn was used for cupping, later on brass, ceramic, and bamboo cups were used. Today, we use glass, plastic or silicone cups in a variety of different sizes.

Cupping is like a very deep tissue massage. The practitioner applies suction with the cup to the body, most commonly on the back. The suction creates a vacuum effect and draws the skin up into the cup. The result is a movement of fresh blood to the area, release of toxins, acupuncture point stimulation, increased circulation of blood and lymph, relaxation of tight muscles, and reduced inflammation.

Cupping does leave noticeable marks similar to a bruise or hickey that is sometimes referred to as “cup kisses”. Although they can look alarming, they are not painful and will disappear on their own within 3-7 days.

Most commonly, it’s used for aches and pains of various types including low back and leg pain, neck and shoulder tension, and fibromyalgia. It also helps open up the chest and benefits the lungs to treat respiratory problems such as cough, bronchitis, asthma, and the like. It and can even benefit menstrual problems and digestive problems including stomach aches, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion evolved thousands of years ago in early northern China. It is part of traditional Chinese medical practices and came about at the same time as acupuncture. Moxibustion involves the burning of moxa, an herbal wool made from the leaves of the Mugwort plant, over specific acupoints. The moxa is often formed it into a small cone and placed on the tip of a needle or rolled into a cigar-like shape and passed over the skin in wave-like motions. The radiant heat produced by moxibustion penetrates deeply into the body to restore balance, promote circulation, and reduce pain. This form of treatment, usually combined with acupuncture, is indicated for improving general health and treating chronic conditions such as arthritis, digestive disorders, pain, infertility, ulcers, and many other ailments.

Many times the practitioner will send the patient home with a moxa stick so that it can be applied regularly between treatments. The burning of moxa will produce a potent smoke. For people who have asthma or respiratory problems, smokeless moxa can be used.

 

Gua Sha

Gua Sha translates from Chinese as “scrape away the fever” and is widely practiced throughout Asia both in the clinic and the home.  This technique boosts the immune system for 4 days according to clinical studies, and can kick your cold or flu to the curb.  It’s also a great treatment for tension, pain relief, muscle spasm and tremors.

The practitioner applies lotion or massage oil and scrapes the skin, using a special tool (traditionally a Chinese soup spoon, but we use disposable jar lids).  This leaves marks similar to cupping that disappear within 3-7 day.