Moxibustion, Gua sha & Cupping

Moxibustion or moxa is an essential part of Chinese Medicine. Moxa, a soft woolly herb formed from mugwort leaves is either placed safely on the skin or held just above it, over specific acupuncture points or channels. The moxa burns slowly, creating a therapeutic heat which diffuses through the targeted point or channel in a way that affects the flow of qi and blood. The moxa is removed as soon as the patient feels a sensation of heat.

Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy in which a glass or plastic cup is applied to the skin using either heat or suction, in order to draw the superficial muscles into the cup. Sometimes the cup is moved, creating a deep massaging effect on the skin and muscles. This is called gliding cupping. Sometimes the cups remain static on specific acupuncture points, particularly in areas of pain. Gua sha involves scraping of the skin using a massage tool.

I may use these therapies alongside acupuncture in situations where a technique that helps to clear stagnation and encourage blood circulation would be useful - when there is chronic pain and tension for example.