additional therapies
moxibustion
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort herb (artemesia vulgaris), to facilitate healing. Moxibustion heat therapy has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years; in fact, the actual Chinese character for acupuncture, translated literally, means “acupuncture-moxibustion.” Mugwort is chosen for it’s warming properties and yang nature. The purpose of moxibustion is to improve circulation, stimulate the flow of qi, restore primary yang energy by warming qi and blood, and maintain general health.
Cupping
Cupping is one of the oldest methods of traditional Chinese medicine. The earliest recorded use of cupping dates to the early fourth century. In a typical cupping session, a vacuum is created and glass cups are placed over a specific area. Cupping stimulates the flow of blood, balances and realigns the flow of qi, breaks up obstructions, and creates an avenue for toxins to be drawn out of the body. Depending on the condition being treated, the cups will be left in place from 5 to 10 minutes. Several cups may be placed on a patient’s body at the same time. Sometimes herbal oils are applied to the skin just before the cupping procedure, which allows movement of the cups up and down particular acupoints or meridians. Cupping is used primarily to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and congestion; arthritis; gastrointestinal disorders; and pain.
gua sha
Like most of the techniques used in Chinese Medicine, Gua Sha has been used for thousands of years. Gua Sha, also known as “scraping therapy,” is a technique that involves repeated firm strokes over oiled skin with a special tool. The Gua Sha tool is fashioned out of ceramic, jade, or buffalo horn. During Gua Sha therapy, the surface of the skin is scraped along the meridian pathways to move qi and blood, remove toxins and blockages, promote healing, and eliminate pain.
massage
Massage is a very relaxing and enjoyable therapeutic modality. Much like the other adjunctive techniques, massage is used to remove blockages, promote circulation, harmonize qi flow, deeply relax the mind/body, and allow the body to heal itself.