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Cupping
Cupping is an ancient technique used to release what is called
“stagnation” in Chinese Medicine. The technique has been found in
various forms as a traditional folk remedy in many countries. In ancient
times, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners used cups made of
bamboo, animal horn or brass. Today, cups made of glass are the most
common.
How does it work? Heat is used to create a partial vacuum inside the
glass cup. The cup is then applied to the skin and, as the air cools
inside the cup, the suction created draws the skin up into the cup.
There are several types of cupping.
Stationary Cupping – A number of glass cups are placed on the body over
specific acupuncture points. Sometimes single cups are applied to
smaller areas or on specific areas of tenderness. Cups are left in place
without movement for 5-15 minutes. This treatment will leave dark
purplish, circular marks that look like bruises on the skin. This is
normal and the marks will fade away in about one week.
Moving Cupping – Oil or another lubricant is applied to the skin and rim
of the glass cup. The cup is then moved over larger, flat body surfaces
like the back or thigh. The cup is moved back and forth over the skin
surface for 5–15 minutes. Moving cupping causes some redness but
generally does not leave any dark purple marks.
Flash Cupping – The glass cup is alternatively placed, lifted and
replaced on the skin in rapid succession. This produces many small
suctions and the procedure is continued until the skin under the cupping
area is reddened.
Cupping with Acupuncture – An acupuncture needle is inserted into the
appropriate acupuncture point and the Qi sensation is obtained. Then, a
cup is prepared and placed over the needle on the skin surrounding it.
The cup and needle are left in place for 5-15 minutes. This method has
been found in China to be particularly effective in the treatment of
rheumatism.
General Indications
•Back, neck and other musculoskeletal pain
•Upper respiratory disorders such as common cold, pneumonia and
bronchitis
•Facial numbness following stroke or Bell’s Palsy (Flash Cupping)
•Painful menstruation
For additional information about cupping:
‘Cupping’ Takes the Pain Away – Asian Art Used to Improve Circulation,
Digestion, Respiratory Woes,
CBS Broadcasting, Inc.
CUPPING
by Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for
Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is an Asian healing technique utilized by practitioners of
Traditional Medicine both in the clinic and at home. Gua means
“scraping” and “sha” is a reddish, elevated skin rash or petechiae. Gua
Sha involves scraping lubricated skin in pressured strokes with a
round-edged tool to produce the “sha” or petechiae. The sha rash
generally disappears completely in two or three days. The procedure is
not painful.
Gua Sha is mainly used on the Yang surfaces of the body: back, neck,
shoulders, limbs and buttocks. It is occasionally done on the chest and
abdomen. The technique eliminates blood stagnation and promotes normal
circulation and metabolic processes. Patients may experience immediate
relief from pain, stiffness or other discomforts.
General Indications
•Musculoskeletal pain and stiffness
•Common cold, bronchitis, asthma
•Nausea
•Disorders involving stagnation of Qi and blood
For more information on Gua Sha:
Gua Sha,
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Video of Gua Sha Technique, YouTube
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique used to expel
cold and warm the meridians, strengthen the blood and stimulate the flow
of Qi. It is useful in the treatment of disease and for maintenance of
health. The method involves burning an herb, mugwort, over particular
acupuncture points. The skin will feel warm to the touch.
Moxibustion and Pregnancy: In 1998, a study published in the Journal of
the American Medical Association concluded that as many as 75% of women
with breech presentations before childbirth had fetuses that rotated to
the normal position after receiving moxibustion at a specific
acupuncture point on the foot.
General Indications
•Asthma
•Rheumatic pain
•Diarrhea
•Arthritis
•Vomiting or abdominal pain
•Certain gynecological disorders
For more information on Moxibustion:
Acupuncture Prevents Breech Birth,
International Health News Database
Moxibustion
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