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Moxibustion

Moxibustion involves the heating of acupuncture points with smoldering mugwort herb (known as moxa). Moxibustion stimulates circulation, counteracts cold and dampness in the body, and promotes the smooth flow of blood and qi. This safe, non-invasive technique may be used alone, but it is generally used in conjunction with acupuncture treatment.

Gua Sha

Sha (sometimes pronounced Sa), is trapped biological material that makes it difficult to have proper flow of Qi, Lymph and Blood within the body. This type of stagnation causes poor veinous return and can be diagnosed by pressing fingertips into the area that is suspected of being "locked up". If it is present, white splotches where the fingers were pressed will take a while to fade (in healthy tissue this would dissipate rapidly). Stagnation of this type causes dysfunction and pain. Gua Sha is the technique of removing the Sha. A friction lowering salve or ointment is put on the skin to protect it, and Gua Sha tools are used to bring the Sha to the surface where the body can break it up and take it away. Sha will not raise to the surface if it is not present. Gua Sha is known by many names throughout the world and is used to promote free flow ending pain conditions, stiff and sore muscles, treating old surgical sites that still have pain, or newer ones where Sha is present and could become problematic later on. In addition it is used on the upper back, shoulders and neck to shorten the duration or severity of a cold or the flu.

Cupping

Cupping is an ancient technique, used in many cultures, in which a special cup is applied to the skin and held in place by suction. The suction draws superficial tissue into the cup, which may either be left in place or moved along the body. While the cups are in place "Sha" is pulled to the surface of the body where it can be processed and eliminated (please see "Gua Sha" heading for explanation of Sha). Once the Sha has been removed fresh blood begins to enter the area and in this way cupping helps to improve circulation and aid healing.  Traditional cupping, sometimes referred to as “fire cupping," uses heat to create a vacuum-like suction inside of glass cups. In modern times, cups that use a small pump to create suction have also been introduced. -Please see Gua Sha section for cold and flu.