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ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES
in Chinese Medicine
Moxabustion, Cupping and Gua-sha are traditional methods used with acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. All three invigorate the blood circulation and strengthen the energy flow in the body to make treatments more effective and give quicker results.
:: Moxabustion or “Moxa” is a tonifying (strengthening) process whereby common herbs (primarily mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris) are burned over specific acu-points relative to a condition. The moxa burns like an ember, with no flame. It may be burned on the handle of the needle, above the skin, on salt or a slice of ginger.
The gentle heat created by the moxa provides a pleasant sensation of warmth and nurtured relaxation. This therapeutic warmth is readily absorbed by the body, improving the blood circulation and stimulating the body’s energy flow in order to quicken the healing process.
In China, there is no separation between acupuncture and moxibustion (also known as “Golden-Needle Therapy”), and moxa may be used to treat many conditions such as weakness, aches & pain, and sensations of coldness. It is an integral part of authentic acupuncture when used to treat a variety of "cold" diseases: certain diseases of the nerves and muscles, an assortment of skin disorders, as well as chronic nonmalignant tumors, arthritis, gout and ‘cold types’ of rheumatism, and rigidity and stiffness of the extremities.
:: Cupping Therapy is a treatment in which the practitioner creates suction to the skin with a smooth-edged cup to stimulate the blood circulation and flow Qi within the superficial muscle layers, break up obstructions, and pull metabolic toxins from these surface tissues.
Glass cups are heated, applied to the back or other affected areas, and left comfortably in place (with or without acupuncture needles) for the duration of the treatment. Sometimes cups may be moved over an affected area. You may leave the office looking as though a large octopus gave you a big hug. There is no need for alarm. The slight redness will quickly dissipate.
Cupping therapy is widely used to treat conditions such as the common cold, and upper respiratory problems such as asthma, sore muscles, tension, neck pain, joint pain, headaches, backache, abdominal pain, indigestion, etc.
:: Gua-sha is a non-invasive technique of applying friction to the skin with a specialized tool with smooth edges. Short strokes are used along various meridians to increase blood circulation and clear metabolic wastes congesting the surface tissues and muscle fibers.
Gua-sha Therapy feels a bit like deep massage, and effectively releases muscle tension, tightness and constriction while relieving pain and increasing mobility. It is most often applied to the back and neck, and is commonly used in the treatment of back pain and upper respiratory problems such as the common cold As it works to clear up the congested blood at the surface of the body, patches of red skin appear which will quickly fade within 48 hours.
Resources
Oklahoma City Metro Area
External Sites
www.guasha.com
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