Cupping
Cupping consists of generating a vacuum on the skin by means of glass jars, bamboo, or porcelain. The vacuum is created by introducing heat into the jar and then applying it to the skin. Additionally, there are mechanical cups in which the vacuum is created by a manual pump. There are three types of cupping: dry, wet, and sliding.
Cupping is indicated for a variety of conditions related to wind, dampness, numbness, and pain, such as asthma, cough, sprains, twisted joints, rheumatic or arthritic pain, nausea, stomachache, menstrual problems, flu, cold, and headache.
Be aware that after the removal of the cups, circular bruises may be seen that last for a few days, which is normal.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a treatment that consists of the application of heat over acupuncture points or meridians in order to move Qi that is blocked. It can be direct or indirect moxibustion. Direct moxibustion can be scarring or non-scarring, with the former not used in Western practice. Direct moxibustion involves the placement of moxa cones over the skin and burning them, removing them before the skin is burned. During indirect moxibustion, the heat is applied with moxa sticks not in contact with the skin.
Bloodletting
This method is used to drain heat and unblock blood and Qi. As its name implies, it consists of pricking acupuncture points and squeezing out a few drops of blood.
Electro-Acupuncture
Electroacupuncture is like regular acupuncture, but with a little extra buzz – literally! Instead of just using needles to stimulate specific points on your body, we add a gentle electrical current to those needles. It's like giving those points a little extra nudge.
Now, you might wonder, why electricity? Well, think of your body like a network of pathways called meridians. In traditional Chinese medicine, we believe that when these pathways get blocked or imbalanced, it can cause pain or illness.
So, when we apply a small electrical current to those acupuncture points, it helps to unblock those pathways and restore balance in your body. It's like giving a boost to your body's natural healing abilities.
The electrical stimulation also helps to increase blood flow, relax muscles, and release natural pain-relieving chemicals in your body, which can all contribute to reducing pain and promoting healing.
Overall, electroacupuncture is a safe and effective way to enhance the benefits of traditional acupuncture, providing targeted relief and promoting wellness. And don't worry, the electrical currents used are very mild and shouldn't cause any discomfort, just a gentle tingling sensation at most!"
