moxibustion
This a technique of heat therapy which uses the plant Ai Ye/Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). The form and technique in which it is burned varies. It is either rolled into sticks and held above the point or area being treated, or placed on acupuncture needles for indirect moxa, or made into tiny cones and burned on ointment for direct moxa. Moxa Acupuncture and Moxibustion are commonly treat sore muscles, bronchial asthma, bronchitis, certain types of paralysis and arthritic disorders.
cupping
This ancient method of treatment is still commonly used today as a home treatment and in the hospitals in China. It has origins in some Eastern European countries as well. The procedure is said to move the energy, or ‘qi’, in the body. It is performed by placing cups onto the skin by way of either heat or suction. The technique works by creating a vacuum effect inside a cup by inserting a flame, removing it and quickly placing the cup on to the body before the vacuum is lost. The suction anchors the cup to the body and the skin covered is partially drawn up into it. This technique causes blood congestion at the site, which creates new blood in the area and increases function, therefore healing can occur. Cupping commonly treats soft tissue injuries, low backache, sprains, common cold symptoms, asthma, and bronchitis.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a healing technique in eastern Asian medicine used to relieve muscular pain and tension and improve circulation. It’s use and technique is dependent upon age, strength of body, skin type and medical conditions. It is said to remove blood stagnation. Sometimes it is called ‘coining, spooning or scraping’, Gua sha is defined as “instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of a lubricated area of the body surface to intentionally create transitory therapeutic petechiae called ‘sha’ representing extravasation of blood in the subcutis.” Modern research shows an anti inflammatory and immune protective effect following Gua sha treatment.
