Cupping, Gua Sha & Moxa

Alongside acupuncture, I may incorporate other traditional Chinese medicine techniques where appropriate, including cupping, gua sha and moxibustion (moxa).

Each technique works in a different way and can be selected according to your individual symptoms, constitution and treatment plan. These therapies can be used alongside acupuncture to complement your treatment and provide another way of working with areas of tension, discomfort, circulation and energetic imbalance.

Cupping

Cupping uses specially designed cups to create gentle suction against the skin. From a TCM perspective, cupping is traditionally used to help move Qi and Blood, release areas of stagnation and support the body's natural circulation.

It can be particularly useful when there is muscular tension, stiffness or a feeling of tightness, and is often used on areas such as the back, shoulders and legs.

The cups may be left in one position or gently moved across the skin, depending on what is most appropriate for you. Cupping can leave temporary circular marks or discolouration on the skin. These are not bruises in the conventional sense and generally fade naturally over several days.

Gua Sha

Gua sha is a traditional technique using a smooth-edged tool to gently stimulate the surface of the skin. The technique is traditionally used to encourage the movement of Qi and Blood and can be particularly helpful for areas of tension and stagnation.

Gua sha can be used on the body, for example around the neck, shoulders and back, or incorporated into facial treatments using a much gentler technique. On the body, treatment can sometimes produce temporary redness or small areas of petechiae as circulation is stimulated. This usually settles naturally.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion, or moxa, is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses the warmth produced by burning dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). The gentle heat is applied near specific acupuncture points or areas of the body to provide warmth and stimulation.

In TCM, moxa is traditionally used where warmth is considered beneficial, particularly when there are patterns associated with Cold or deficiency. Moxa can be deeply warming and relaxing, and may be incorporated into an acupuncture treatment where appropriate. Not everyone is suitable for moxibustion, so I will always consider your individual health, symptoms and circumstances before using it.

Choosing the right technique for you

These therapies aren't automatically included in every treatment.

Your consultation helps me understand what is happening in your body and which techniques may be most appropriate. Sometimes acupuncture alone is the best approach; at other times, adding cupping, gua sha or moxa may complement the treatment beautifully. The aim is always to use the right combination of techniques for you, rather than adding treatments simply for the sake of it.

All three can be incorporated into a wider TCM treatment plan and are used as complementary therapies alongside acupuncture.