Cupping
Cupping is an accessory technique which has attracted a lot of attention this year as it has been used by such people as Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. This technique involves attaching a jar onto the skin by way of a vacuum. This therapy is warming and causes a local increase in the flow of Qi and blood in the meridians. Although jars made of horn and bamboo were used in the past today the material most commonly used in the West is glass.

Cupping is frequently used to treat arthritic conditions, sprains and strains, facial paralysis (Bell’s Palsy), and the common cold. It feels wonderful on those tight, achy, knotted muscles.

Moxibustion
This technique involves burning the herb Artemisia Vulgaris (a species of chrysanthemum) also known as “mugwort” at a distance from the skin to warm an acupuncture point. This produces a comfortable sensation of heat that penetrates deep into the skin. Moxibustion or “moxa” warms the meridians and aids in the smooth flow of Qi. It is beneficial in chronic conditions that are cold in nature.

Gua Sha (“Gwa Shaw”)
Gua Sha is an accessory healing technique that involves palpation and stimulation where the skin is pressured, in strokes, by a round-edged instrument, typically a ceramic soup spoon. The goal is to relieve stagnation and promote circulation and metabolic process.

Typically used in the treatment of acute infectious illness (ie the common cold), upper respiratory and digestive problems, Gua Sha provides relief from pain, stiffness, fever, chills, cough and nausea.

Electro-Acupuncture
Electroacupuncture is similar to traditional acupuncture in that the same points are stimulated during treatment. Like traditional acupuncture, needles are inserted on specific points along the body, these needles are then attached to a device that generates continuous electric pulses using small clips. The sensation during treatment is one of tingling or buzzing.

During the treatment, the frequency and intensity of the impulse being delivered are adjusted, depending on the condition being treated. Pairs of needles are used so that impulses can pass from one needle to another and several pairs of needles can be stimulated simultaneously.

Ear acupuncture
This therapy treats disorders by stimulating specific points on the auricle with acupuncture needles. Ear acupuncture is the treatment of choice when treating clients working to overcome addictive behaviors e. g. stop smoking.