Cupping | Gua Sha | Moxibustion.
Cupping, Gua Sha and moxibustion: Ancient Healing for Modern Wellness
Cupping, Gua sha and Moxibustion are three powerful, traditional healing techniques that have been practiced for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). While distinct in their application, they are therapies that use manual methods to stimulate circulation, release tension, and promote your body's natural healing processes.
Cupping Therapy
How Does Cupping Work?
Cupping is an ancient healing technique that uses glass cups to create gentle suction on the skin. A small flame is briefly placed inside the cup to remove oxygen and create a vacuum. The cup is then quickly applied to the skin, drawing the tissue upward.
Cups can either remain stationary on specific points or be gently glided across the skin to cover larger areas. This suction helps to open the pores, stimulate the flow of blood and Qi (energy), release tension, break up stagnation, and support the body’s natural detoxification process.
What Conditions Can Cupping Help With?
Cupping is commonly used to support a variety of health concerns, including:
Arthritis and joint pain
Asthma and bronchitis
Cellulite
Common cold and flu
Constipation
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Fever
Frozen shoulder
Migraine and headaches
Muscle tension and pain
Poor circulation
Tennis elbow
Cupping can be used as a stand-alone therapy or combined with acupuncture to enhance healing and relaxation.
What to Expect After a Cupping Session
After treatment, it’s common to notice circular red or purple marks where the cups were placed. These are not bruises and typically fade within a few days. To protect the treated area and support recovery, it’s recommended to:
Keep the area warm and covered (especially if the upper back was treated).
Avoid swimming, strenuous exercise, or showering for the rest of the day.
Many patients report feeling deeply relaxed, with looser muscles and improved circulation after their session.
Gua Sha
What Is Gua Sha & How Does It Work?
Gua Sha is a traditional healing technique that involves gently scraping the skin to stimulate circulation and promote healing. The name comes from the Chinese words gua (scrape) and sha (redness). It’s sometimes referred to as “scraping,” “spooning,” or “coining.”
A smooth-edged tool—often made of jade, ceramic, or horn—is used with a light layer of lotion or oil to glide comfortably over the skin. As the area is gently scraped, a temporary redness (known as “sha”) appears, which indicates increased blood flow. Unlike bruising, this redness does not involve capillary damage and typically fades within a few days.
Gua Sha helps increase circulation, enhance range of motion, support immune function, and reduce pain and inflammation.
What Conditions Can Gua Sha Help With?
Gua Sha can address many of the same concerns as cupping, with the added benefit of easily treating areas that cups can’t reach. Common conditions supported by Gua Sha include:
Arthritis and joint pain
Asthma and bronchitis
Cellulite
Common cold and flu
Constipation and digestive discomfort
Fever
Frozen shoulder
Migraine and headaches
Muscle pain and tension
Poor blood circulation
Tennis elbow
What to Expect After a Gua Sha Session
It’s normal to see red marks on the skin after treatment. These marks are a sign of increased circulation and typically fade within a few days. To support your body’s healing process:
Keep the treated area warm and covered (especially if your upper back was treated).
Avoid swimming, strenuous activity, or showering for the remainder of the day.
Many people experience immediate relief of muscle tension and a deep sense of relaxation after Gua Sha.
Moxibustion
What It Is & How It Works
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy involving the burning of mugwort (ai ye) either directly or indirectly over acupuncture points. The burning herb emits visible light and infrared radiation, allowing heat to penetrate approximately 10 mm beneath the skin into the tissues. This deep warmth can stimulate circulation, support cellular metabolism, and influence immune and neurological functions.
Evidence-Based Applications
From 1954 to 2007, numerous clinical publications have documented the therapeutic potential of moxibustion for more than 300 health conditions. Commonly supported conditions include:
Colitis and other digestive disorders
Diarrhea
Dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain)
Fatigue
Herpes zoster (shingles)
Infertility and malpositioned fetus
Osteoarthritis
General pain management
Soft tissue injury
TMJ dysfunction
Urinary incontinence
General weakness
Moxibustion may be used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with acupuncture to enhance outcomes and support overall systemic balance.