Cupping, Gua Sha, Moxa. What?

Most people became familiar with cupping during the 2016 summer olympics, when Michael Phelps appeared with big, purple spots on his back and shoulders. Cupping is not specific to Chinese medicine, but practitioners use it often to help with musculoskeletal pain or injuries, but also for people suffering with coughs or head colds to loosen up congestion.

Gua Sha is also not unique to Chinese medicine. Practitioners use an instrument, such as a flat piece of jade, or a metal bottle cap to scrape over tight muscles or acupuncture channels to improve circulation, reduce pain, or also help relieve nasal or chest congestion. Facial gua sha is very gentle, and can lift and smooth the skin. It feels great!

Moxa (moxibustion) is a technique where mugwort is burned on various points of the body. It can help support patients when they are very weakened by illness or are undergoing chemotherapy. Special care is taken to insure that the patient does not suffer from burns.