Cupping/Gua Sha
Cupping
Cupping is a type of therapy that uses small glass or plastic cups that are suctioned onto the skin. The cups might be moved along an area of pain or kept in one place. This therapy is used to eliminate toxins, improve circulation, and relax the muscles. It is used to release muscle tension, as well as treating a cough, asthma, digestive disorders, and allergies. The cups may leave slight red marks that will dissipate in 2-5 days.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves stimulation of the surface of the skin with a round-edged instrument. Gua means to rub or friction. Sha is the term used to describe congestion of blood at the surface of the body. The scraping of the skin results in the appearance of reddish/purple petechiae, breakage of the sub-dermal blood vessels. The sha may last 2–5 days. The color and rate of fading are both diagnostic and prognostic indicators. Gua Sha removes blood stagnation, which can cause pain in the body by disallowing healthy circulation of the blood through the tissues. Immediate relief from pain, stiffness, fever/chills, cough, nausea, etc. is commonly experienced.
Gua sha can be used for many different types of disorders including acute upper respiratory problems such as cold/flu-like symptoms, chronic aches and pains, digestive disorders, and may be helpful in alleviating symptoms of multi-systemic disorders such as sleep apnea and headaches. After receiving Gua Sha, please keep the area covered, avoiding exposure to wind, sun or sudden change in temperature until the marks have faded. Stretching is recommended but not a heavy workout on the day of treatment.
Initial Consultation Required
An initial consultation with the acupuncturist is required to find out if you are a candidate for Cupping and/or Gua Sha.
If you are determined to be a candidate, we can perform your first procedure the same day.