Chinese Medicine Modalities

Moxibustion

Moxibustion (moxa) is a common therapeutic technique frequently included in your treatment session. It involves using an herb called mugwort, or “artemesia vulgaris” that is burned on or near the body usually at acupuncture points. It has a penetrating heat effect to improve circulation locally or throughout an acupuncture meridian. It also expels internal cold from the body causing painful conditions or boosting overall immunity. Common conditions used for: joint or muscle pain, asthma, diarrhea, vomitting, gynecological disorders and cold/flu. Moxa comes in many different forms (see below).

Cupping Therapy

Cups are applied to the skin using gentle suction to increase circulation, support lymphatic flow, and reduce inflammation. Cupping is used to help relieve a range of conditions including headaches, muscle and joint pain, respiratory issues, digestive concerns, and more.

Treatment is performed by a licensed acupuncturist to ensure proper technique, timing, and safety based on your individual needs. Sessions are done in a private setting, and follow-up cupping-only appointments are available.

Here acupuncturist Abigail Surasky demonstrates gua sha, a technique used throughout Asia for tight muscles, cold, flu, and stress reduction.

Gua Sha Therapy

Gua Sha therapy is a technique of scraping the skin with a smooth edged instrument in order to elicit redness of the skin. “Sha” means sand and the presence of the sand-like appearance over the skin indicates local congestion of Qi & blood. A sign of “sha” is the appearance of a white mark when a painful muscle is firmly pressed with the thumb. This type of therapy will improve musculoskeletal pain, assist with lowering fevers and conditions related to the common cold such as lung congestion and cough.