As a traditional acupuncturist, I may also supplement needle treatment with other Chinese medicine techniques such as: moxibustion, cupping, plum blossom needling, guasha, massage and auricular acupuncture.
Moxibustion involves applying direct heat using moxa (therapeutic herb) to warm and relax muscles and energy pathways.Cupping is where glass cups are placed on the skin with a vacuum seal. They are often used to stimulate blood flow and clear stagnant energy.
Plum blossom needling involves using a small device to tap along the energy pathway or number of points to help in areas of pain.
Guasha is a vigorous rubbing of the skin to increase the blood flow and clear any stagnant energy.
Auricular acupuncture is quite simply acupuncture done in the ear. It is effective in treating mental and emotional disturbances including anxiety, depression and insomnia. It is commonly used for tobacco dependency.
Massage is the practice of soft tissue manipulation. Target tissues may include: muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints or other connective tissue.
