Cupping:

Cupping involves the use of suction cups on various locations on the body, increasing blood flow to tissues. This oriental healing method helps to improve muscle and tendon function, in addition to providing relief from pain and tension. The resulting improvement in blood circulation is thought to increase cell metabolism, which aids in the removal of substances which cause pain and impede healing, as well as helping to restore normal physiological functioning to cells.

Chinese medicine uses suction cupping for a variety of conditions where it can stop pain and reduce swelling, promote blood flow, help reduce fever and cough. It is also used to eliminate cold and damp from within the body, which can be the cause of conditions such as muscular stiffness and soreness and arthritic joint pain.

Moxibustion:

This gentle technique, often known as 'moxa', involves warming various points along the meridians on the body using the herb Mugwort. Various moxa techniques can be used to bring warmth and circulation to the body. Its effects include opening and warming of the meridians/channels, stimulating circulation of blood, assistance in helping to turn breech babies from weeks 32-36, and penetration into the muscles and joints to relieve pain. 

Gua Sha:

Gua Sha (also known as 'skin scraping' or 'spooning') is a healing technique used throughout East Asia by practitioners of traditional medicine. Friction is applied to the skin, using a special spoon or 'gua sha' apparatus in repeated, even strokes. The benefits of Gua Sha are numerous. It promotes normal circulation to the muscles, tissues, and organs directly beneath the surface treated. The patient can experience immediate changes in stiffness, pain and mobility.

In addition to resolving musculoskeletal pain, Gua Sha can be used to aid in healing from the common cold, flu, bronchitis, asthma, as well as any acute or chronic disorder involving pain with congestion of Qi and Blood.