Cupping Therapy

Cupping has been around for centuries in China. Throughout history many different civilizations practiced cupping using many different types of vessels to create suction on the body. Nowadays, cupping involves using glass or plastic cups.

In TCM, we use cupping to:

• relieve stagnation facilitating the movement of Qi and blood systemically and locally
• treat excess heat conditions, fever, stress, depression and anxiety
• dispel wind, damp and cold to treat muscle and joint pain, stiffness and arthritis
• release adhesions
• release toxins, and much more

Often we use acupuncture and cupping in combination since the combined approach may provide greater pain relief than either method alone, as well as improved muscle relaxation. Cupping helps to relax muscles, making them more open to acupuncture's therapeutic effects, and enhances circulation, which can promote faster healing and recovery

When the cup is applied it creates a suction that pulls the layers of the soft tissue, allowing them to separate. This permits blood and tissue fluids to flow in and out of the area more easily, promoting healing. With an increase of blood more oxygen comes into the muscles, and speeds up the recovery.

Through cupping, deep tissue work & release is done without the discomfort of force, because of negative pressure created by cup. It flushes capillary beds, drains stagnant blood, toxins and lymph, and resupplies the system with vital nutrient uptake.

Cupping can leave red, purple marks on the area being cupped that may last a few days but usually disappear after 3-5 days.

Gua Sha

Gua sha is an ancient Chinese technique to relieve pain and remove toxins from the body. During gua sha treatment the skin is scraped to produce light to dark discoloration ("sha"). This discoloration is metabolic waste that is being released from stagnant areas, promoting blood flow and healing.

While it is not painful, gua sha does usually cause the skin to appear very red for a couple of days in the areas, where the treatment was done.

Tuina/Acupressure

Tui Na is form of Asian medical massage which is sometimes used in an acupuncture treatment. Acupressure involves applying pressure to acupoints, to stimulate energy flow and promote well-being.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a TCM therapy where moxa (dried mugwort floss) are burned on or near the surface of the skin, targeting the body’s meridians and acupuncture points. Through moxibustion we warm points and channels to counteract coldness, transform and eliminate dampness, remove obstructions, to move qi and the blood, and stop pain, or to boost yang qi, for example.

Moxibustion can be used to correct breech fetal position, and to treat a range of health conditions, including: gastrointestinal issues, menstrual cramps, arthritis, joint or muscle pain, chronic pain, cold and flu prevention, headaches.