Chinese Medicine by Barbara Lee

Moxibustion

Moxibustion evolved thousands of years ago in early northern China. It is part of traditional Chinese medical practices and came about at the same time as acupuncture.

Moxibustion involves the burning of moxa, an herbal wool made from the leaves of the Mugwort plant, over specific acupoints. The moxa is often formed it into a small cone and placed on the tip of a needle or rolled into a cigar-like shape and passed over the skin in wave-like motions. The radiant heat produced by moxibustion penetrates deeply into the body to restore balance, promote circulation, and reduce pain. This form of treatment, usually combined with acupuncture, is indicated for improving general health and treating chronic conditions such as arthritis, digestive disorders, pain, infertility, ulcers, and many other ailments.

Many times the practitioner will send the patient home with a moxa stick so that it can be applied regularly between treatments. The burning of moxa will produce a potent smoke. For people who have asthma or respiratory problems, smokeless moxa can be used.

Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture

Auricular acupuncture involves the stimulation of the acupoints located on the ear with tiny seeds or pellets. The seeds are no larger than the tip of an unsharpened pencil, do not pierce the skin, and are painless when affixed. The client will leave these seeds in for up to 1 week and re-stimulate the points by massaging the ear several times each day.

There are over 200 acupoints on each ear that represent the anatomical parts and functions of the human body. These points are arranged on the ear in the image of an inverted fetus. By observing points of tenderness, coloration changes, protrusions or depressions, and skin variations, a trained practitioner can not only treat a wide range of diseases using only the ear, but can diagnose them as well. When we stimulate these points we access the central nervous system through the cranial nerves on the auricle of the ear. This sends a direct message to the brain that results in a healing response.

This therapy is most often used for addiction, smoking cessation, and weight loss.

Cupping

In addition to acupuncture and herbology, cupping therapy has been part of Chinese medicine for over 2,500 years. Originally, animal horn was used for cupping, later on brass, ceramic, and bamboo cups were used. Today, we use glass cups in a variety of different sizes.

Cupping is like a very deep tissue massage. The practitioner applies heat in a cup and then applies that cup to the body, most commonly on the back. The heat creates a vacuum effect and draws the skin up into the cup. The result is a movement of fresh blood to the area, release of toxins, acupuncture point stimulation, increased circulation of blood and lymph, relaxation of tight muscles, and reduced inflammation.

Cupping does leave noticeable marks similar to a bruise or hickey that is sometimes referred to as "cup kisses". Although they can look alarming, they are not painful and will disappear on their own within 3-7 days.

Most commonly, it's used for aches and pains of various types including low back and leg pain, neck and shoulder tension, and fibromyalgia. It also helps open up the chest and benefits the lungs to treat respiratory problems such as cough, bronchitis, asthma, and the like. It and can even benefit menstrual problems and digestive problems including stomach aches, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Gu Sha

Gua Sha is an Oriental medical technique for removing blood stagnation from the surface tissues of the body. The "gua" of Gua Sha refers to the scraping action, along the skin, using the Gua Sha tool. Usually massage oil or some other lubricant is first applied to the skin. Areas of the body where this technique is particularly effective include the neck, back, shoulders, hips/buttocks, legs and arms.

The "sha" of Gua Sha refers to the red, blue or purplish marks that come to the surface during a Gua Sha treatment. This is the stagnant blood that had been trapped in the tissues, but now has been released, allowing blood to circulate more freely in those areas.

Gua Sha tends to be really effective in treating stiff or sore muscles, and is wonderful also for releasing the heat and stagnation (particularly in the upper back, neck and top of shoulders) associated with the common cold. It can also be used as part of a preventative health-care regimen.

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