Cupping and Gua Sha are traditional Chinese treatments commonly used alongside acupuncture. Both may be included in your acupuncture treatment to facilitate better results.
Cupping is also known by the more modern term ‘myofascial decompression’ and can be thought of as a reverse massage. The tissues are sucked up into glass, plastic or silicone cups which are then either left in place or moved over the lubricated skin in a gliding motion to release tension and 'stuck' areas of muscle and connective tissue.
Gua Sha means to “press-stroke” and is commonly called ‘coining’ or ‘spooning.’ It involves the scraping of the lubricated skin with a specialised tool to increase microcirculation to the tissues and to create a therapeutic anti-inflammatory effect.
Both Cupping and Gua Sha are used to:
- Treat fasciomusculoskeletal injuries & complaints (including sport related issues)
- Loosen muscles, fascia & connective tissues, improving mobility
- Encourage blood flow & lymphatic drainage
- Work to release knots, tensions & trigger points
- Correct posture
- Mobilise scars
- Relieve headaches & migraines
Traditionally both modalities are also used for lung conditions such as:
- Lung congestion
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Allergies & hayfever
- Cold & Flu symptoms
Both treatments can leave red petechiae marks on this skin although these usually only last a few days and are painless. Curious about Cupping or Gua Sha? Contact me with any questions, it's one of my favourite subjects to chat about.
