Cupping Therapy

Cupping is a suction technique using glass, bamboo, or plastic “cups” on the skin to pull toxin build-up and muscle spasms out of the deeper tissue of the body, towards the surface of the body.  When we feel pain, tenderness, or discomfort, there is some physiologic blockage in the flow of energy. The more blockage, the harder it is for the body to remove the obstruction and discomfort.

Cupping could be used all over the body to invigorate blood flow and to relieve tension and pain.  It also brings fresh new blood into that blocked area.  Changes in stiffness, pain and mobility can often be seen immediately.  It is often used for treating muscle, menstrual, or joint pain and can also help relieve acute illnesses such as common cold, headaches, boost immunity, and energy.  The procedure usually lasts about 10 - 15 minutes depending on the technique used.

In case of pregnancy, bleeding disorder, diabetic neuropathy, or open wounds, cupping cannot be used.  Because the suction draws fresh blood to the external capillaries, it may be result in a bruise or red patch on the skin.  It is a normal response, and it will fade within a few days. It is recommended that patients should avoid exercise on the day of treatment.

Moxibustion Therapy

Moxibustion (moxa) is a method of applying a heat stimulus to the body by burning the dried and sifted leaf particles from the herb mugwort on or close to the skin, with the aim of promoting the body’s ability to heal itself.  When moxa is used for treatment, it is placed (directly/indirectly) on top of the treatment areas and burned to transfer heat into the therapeutic points.

Moxa is a part of acupuncture treatment that aims to bring heat directly into the body. It is used effectively to treat many conditions and diseases including cold or poor blood flow, muscle stiffness, headaches, tendonitis, arthritis, digestive disorders, anxiety, and female health problems such as menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and infertility.  

Moxa can be used safely and effectively for almost all patients.  However, it is used with caution for the following conditions: diabetes, pregnancy, obesity, or drugs and alcohol.

Gua Sha Therapy

Gua sha is an ancient healing technique that involves repeated pressured strokes over lubricated skin on the back, limbs, and other parts of the body.  The area to be treated is first lubricated with massage oil or vaseline, then scraped with the edge of a ceramic spoon or similar object.  The scraped area will create red patches on the skin after treatment, but it will fade within few days.  Gua sha is typically applied in the area of pain or on the back parallel to the spine.

Gua sha is a part of acupuncture therapy.  It increases blood flow (microcirculation) in the soft tissues, stimulates the body’s natural pain-relieving opioid systems, and it may block the pain response pathways so you feel pain relief.  Gua sha is especially effective during cold and flu season.  It is wonderful at treating stiff upper necks and backs, as well as extremely tight muscles.  It is recommended that patients refrain from exercise on the day of procedure.

Electro- Stimulation Therapy

Electro-acupuncture involves a device that is attached to the needles, which gently delivers electrical pulses between two points. This stimulation helps restore the healthy flow of Qi through your body, removing blockages and clearing out stagnant areas.

Auricular Acupuncture

Auricular acupuncture is a form of acupuncture that is inserting needles into specific points on the ear. The ear is a microsystem of the body and stimulating these points with acupuncture needles, e-stim, or seeds is thought to promote healing in other areas of the body. Auricular acupuncture is a common therapy to treat stress, trauma, addiction, and weight loss.  

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