CUPPING

Cupping gained widespread attention when athletes, including Michael Phelps, displayed the distinctive marks left by this deep tissue massage and myofascial release technique during the 2016 Olympics.

Cupping entails placing glass cups on the skin and creating a suction effect. This action causes a gentle upward and outward movement of muscles and fascia, accompanied by increased blood circulation to the treated areas, resulting in temporary red marks that typically fade within 1-3 days.

Cupping is an effective modality for addressing both acute and chronic pain, such as neck and shoulder tension, low back pain and painful menstrual cramps.

TUNIA

Tuina, the Chinese medicine equivalent of therapeutic massage, resembles Shiatsu. It employs pressure at specific acupuncture points and stretching along meridian channels and fascial connections. These techniques can help alleviate pain, enhance blood and lymph circulation, and promote overall health.

Other Chinese Medicine Modalities

MOXIBUSTION

Moxibustion involves the external burning of a Chinese medicinal herb called mugwort over specific acupuncture points. This process yields therapeutic effects, including body warming, improved blood circulation, and relief from pain and discomfort.

GUA SHA

Guasha is a soft tissue therapy that involves the controlled scraping of the skin with a specialized tool.

This technique enhances blood flow and reduces muscle pain, effects that persist for 1-2 days following treatment.While some skin discoloration (petechiae) may occur, it dissipates over several days.

Guasha has also demonstrated immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.

Guasha can be utilized to treat a variety of conditions, including headaches, neck and back pain, and respiratory ailments.

DIETARY THERAPY

The food we consume serves as the foundational building blocks for our bodies, sustaining, restoring, and promoting healing.

Chinese Medicine's dietary concepts consider an individual's constitution and environmental factors. For individuals prone to feeling cold, warming foods are recommended. As the weather becomes drier and colder, it is advisable to include moistening and hearty foods in the diet.

The overarching goal is to provide the body with the types of foods and fluids it can readily utilize to ensure optimal energy, function, and structural strength, allowing us to live life to the fullest.

These other modalities such as fire cupping, gua sha, and moxibustion can be used to enhance an acupuncture session, or instead of acupuncture if non-needle treatments are preferred.