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Cupping and Moxibustion
Cupping is a fast acting way to get relief from colds, respiratory ailments and pain!
Cupping involves the use of glass cups placed on the back along the spine for the purpose of removing heat and moving blood in the body. The cups can either be held stationery or moved along the back in order to help boost the immune system and relieve muscle tension. Contact with the skin is maintained by creating a vacuum with the cups. At New Day Acupuncture, the safest cups are used without the use of heat. I prefer to use cups that remove the air with an air pump and create a vacuum in that way. Heat can burn the skin and I have found this to be a more effective way of using this procedure. Cupping can last from a couple of minutes up to ten minutes depending on the need.This procedure is best used to treat colds, asthma, allergies and pain as an adjunct to an acupuncture treatment. For example, if you have a cold with yellow mucous, most likely there is heat in the lungs and cupping will alleviate congestion and improve breathing by releasing the heat. Another example is if you have neck and shoulder pain. The muscles are tight indicating that there is restricted blood flow and cupping increases the blood flow to help relax the muscles.
Moxa is a vital complement to acupuncture!
Moxibustion (moxa) is an herb, dried mugwort, that is used as a warming stimulus to dispell cold and move stagnant blood and Qi in the body. Moxa comes in a stick and is lit much like a stick of incense. The heated end of the moxa is placed close to the skin (not on it) to help warm and regulate an acupuncture point. It is most beneficial for treating menstrual problems and digestive complaints as a complementary procedure to acupuncture. At New Day Acupuncture, both cupping and the use of moxibustion are integral parts of my practice. Ask about how they can help you to relieve congestion from colds, stop menstrual cramping and improve digestion without medication!
Return to Basics of Acupuncture from Cupping and Moxibustion
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