Cupping & Moxibustion
Cupping is an ancient form of Traditional Chinese Medicine where a practitioner puts special glass or plastic cups on the skin to create suction.
The benefits of cupping include local pain relief and muscle relaxation. Cupping improves overall health by removing the energy blockages that TCM practitioners identify as barriers to the flow of healthy energy or qi.
Cupping may help increase blood flow to a particular muscle region or help reduce pain and for that reason, is often also used by athletes.
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy which consists of burning dried mugwort (a type of plant). The intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi in the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences.
In general, moxibustion stimulates blood circulation and triggers the body’s natural healing response. A skilled acupuncturist can target specific points on the body and apply the heat from moxibustion to bring about a biochemical response.
Some of the conditions that Moxibustion can help to relieve:
- circulation and improving the flow of qi
- Expelling cold and dampness from the body that can assist in conditions such as back pain, arthritis and menstrual cramping
- Stimulating the immune system
- Regulating the digestive system to relieve constipation and chronic diarrhea
- Reducing numbness in the fingers and toes
- easing anxiety and helping to relieve some of the symptoms of depression
- Relieving side effects of conventional cancer treatment
- Strengthening qi to assist in relieving fatigue, leading to increased energy throughout the day
