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Moxibustion (Moxa)

Moxibustion refers to the burning of Chinese Mugwort (or Moxa) as an accompanyment to acupuncture or tui na in order to provide a gentle source of heat. There are a few ways of using moxa - it can be attached to the end of an acupuncture needle, or made into a cone which is then placed onto the body on top of a protective medium such as a slice of ginger or layer or salt (depending on the desired outcome) or, most commonly, a moxa stick is used. A moxa stick is a tube of densely packed moxa which is lit at one end and then brought near to the effected area to warm it up.

Moxibustion has the effect of stimulating circulation and healing, warming the body and dispelling Cold. It is especially useful for people and conditions which are worse in the cold and respond well to heat. It is commonly used for pain, infertility, and weakness or lack of energy. It is also used during pregnancy for breech presentation and is an essential component in many of the traditional techniques for health maintenance. It is very pleasant and relaxing to receive.

Cupping

Another common accompanyment to acupuncture or tui na is cupping. This anceint technique involves the use of glass or plastic 'cups' which are placed onto the body having first created a partial vacum inside using a flame or a suction gun. This causes the cup to stick to the body and provide a gentle suction.

The effects of this technique are to strongly stimulate circulation of the area and relax tense muscles. It can also be used to 'draw out pathogens' in the case of common cold, flu etc. especially when used on the back.

There are a few ways to use cups. Stationary cupping involves placing the cups and leaving them in place for a while. Slide cupping involves putting the cups on the body with a little oil and sliding them from one place to another to cover a larger area. Finally, flash cupping is where the cups are placed on the body and then quickly removed, in order to provide a milder stimulation.

Gua Sha

Gua sha or 'scraping' uis less commonly practiced by Western therapists, but has always been an important therapeutic technique for Chinese medicine practitioners. It is used by tui na practitioners more than acupuncturists though it makes a useful adjunctive technique for either therapy.

First of all a little oil is applied to the area to be treated, and then a special tool is used to gently scrape the skin until a Sha forms. The Sha is a red, rash-like appearance on the skin which indicates that the gua sha treatment has been effective. Although it looks like a strong treatment, gua sha is not unpleasant to receive. Gua sha is used where there is stagnation, and can often be helpful for pain.

For more information, or to book your 15 minute free consultation, just call or email

cupping, moxa, moxibustion, gua sha in bristol, portishead, south wales, usk

© 2007 Neil Kingham.
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