GETTING STARTED

Cupping is an ancient Chinese method of clearing congestion from a localized area. A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This draws up the underlying tissues. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place.

Cupping has also been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, activate the skin, clear stretch marks and improve varicose veins. Cupping is the best deep tissue massage available. Cupping, the technique, is very useful and very safe and can be easily learned and incorporated into your family health practices.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a form of fire heat treatment that stimulates specific acupuncture points of the body. The term is derived from the Japanese “mogusa” meaning herb (mugwort) and the Latin “bustion” meaning burning.

During moxibustion a practitioner lights one end of a moxa stick (roughly the shape and size of a cigar) and holds it an inch or two away from the skin, usually around the inserted needles to bring mild warmth to the area without burning, until the skin becomes slightly red. The intensity of the heat is adjusted according to the patient’s condition and comfort. Indirect moxa is considered to induce a gradual localized vasodilatation response. In addition to increasing the local blood flow, skillful indirect moxibustion is extremely comforting and can create a deep relaxation response.

What is moxibustion good for?

Moxibustion therapy in conjunction with acupuncture can be very effective for many diseases and conditions including back pain, muscle stiffness, headaches, migraines, tendonitis, arthritis, digestive disorders, anxiety, and female health problems such as menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and infertility.

Moxibustion can be applied in many different ways and the expected physiological reactions from moxibustion can greatly vary depending on the type and technique used. By carefully considering the type of moxibustion, and where and how to apply it, moxibustion can be used safely and effectively for almost all patients.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a healing technique used in traditional medicine. It involves palpation and cutaneous stimulation in which the skin is pressed with a piece of jade; that results in the appearance of small red patches. “Gua” means to scrape or rub. “Sha” is a reddish, elevated patch of skin. Sha is the term used to describe blood in the subcutaneous tissue before and after it is raised as a small red bump.

What are the benefits of Gua Sha?

Gua Sha can be used to prevent and treat diseases and strengthen the body. Especially in the area of pain relief it is unequalled. It has a very quick effect on pain from head, neck, shoulder, joint and back pain to RSI, fibromyalgy, sciatica and other nerve pain, migraine, PMS, osteoporosis, rheumatism. It has as well an obvious effect on various diseases caused by functional disharmony of the internal organs.

Gua Sha stimulates the immune system, detoxifies and de-acidifies, promotes circulation, regulates functions and organs, removes blockades and pain, revitalizes and regenerates, diminishes stress, fatigue and burn-out, improves e.g. cures countless disorders and complaints, rebalances emotions, relaxes and promotes clarity of mind.

In the treatment a special oil is put on a particular area of the skin whereafter the therapist starts “scraping” the area with a “scraper” (a specially designed instrument of jade or horn). Very soon the skin becomes red. The amazing thing is, that on places where disorders are hidden, red spots appear IN the skin (not ON the skin) comparable to hemorrhage. Because the scraping is on the oily skin the patient will hardly feel pain – neither during nor after the treatment – the skin will not be damaged, and the red spots will fully disappear within 3 to 7 days.

What to Expect

All of our acupuncturists use these methods in conjunction with acupuncture treatments. If you wish to receive one or more of these adjunctive methods as a 1 hour standalone treatment, schedule an appointment with Don White, Nancy Sencil, or Donna Terrazas by calling (706) 369-8855.