Moxibustion and cupping are used within the traditional Chinese medicine system. Completely unique in the Western world these two modalities complement acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Cupping involves placing heated cups over the skin to encourage blood flow, Qi and body fluids such as lymph. The result is the cup creates an area of low pressure, causing the blood to gather under the cup near the surface of the body.
During a cupping treatment, the patient experiences a mild pulling sensation which calms the sympathetic nerves and allows deep relaxation to move throughout the body.
The general benefits of cupping are; improved circulation, purification of blood, regulation of the autonomic nervous system and an overall cooling effect. Cupping also reduces pain and swelling and speeds up the natural healing process in the specific areas of application.
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese therapy used for improving the circulation of blood and Qi through the meridians. Moxa herb (mugwort) is burnt and the warming ember is placed near the body to create a warming effect to the points. Moxa is used to warm regions and acupuncture points of the body with the intention of stimulating circulation through the points and inducing a smoother flow of Qi and blood.