Steeped in tradition
Cupping therapy has been a part of Chinese Medicine for over two thousands years and aims to relieve stagnation and tension in the affected region by loosening the muscles, stretching fascia, encouraging blood flow and oxygenation to the tissues, and sedating the nervous system. Patients may experience mild to strong pressure (similar to deep tissue massage) as the superficial muscle layer is drawn into the cup (via suction); this technique may provide pain relief and healing through pressure. Depending upon the
intensity of the cupping the patient may have red or slightly purple non-painful marks upon their skin, which will dissipate within a few days. If you have an event to attend, please inform your practitioner and an alternative treatment method will be applied. Most patients find cupping to be extremely beneficial and relaxing.
Gua Sha therapy works similarly to cupping and increases surface circulation of blood to the affected region to reduce pain and inflammation. Massage oil is applied to the skin and a smooth gua sha tool is scraped along the surface of the skin until red marks appear releasing muscle tension and encouraging blood flow to the tissue. Despite the red marks that appear on the skin most patients describe gua sha as a painless experience (most of the red marks will dissipate within a few days). In addition to treating musculoskeletal problems, gua sha and cupping therapies have been applied traditionaly in Chinese medicine to reduce cold and flu symptoms and improve the symptoms caused by neurological conditions such as Bell’s Palsy.
Moxibustion applies heat to an affected area or an acupuncture point either by burning moxa (mugwort herb) on or near the skin, or by spraying liquid moxa onto the area and heating it with an infrared lamp. Moxibustion therapy has been traditionally applied to stimulate the circulation of Qi (chi) and blood, strengthen the immune system and add warmth to the body.