Cupping
Cupping therapy is an ancient therapeutic procedure that has been used in China for over three thousand years.
Many benefits to cupping include: awakening appetite, strengthening the stomach and digestion, improve metabolism, relieve constipation, relieve pain and increase suppleness of stiff tendons and muscles.
Cupping involves the application of a partial vacuum produced in cups placed on the skin. The vacuum is typically generated either by means of heat from a burning alcohol cotton ball inside the cup or by pump.
Generally, cupping is combined with acupuncture, but can also be used alone. Like acupuncture, cupping follows the lines of the meridians and aims to open the channels, allowing qi (chi or life force) to flow more smoothly. By creating suction, cupping can activate the lymphatic system, drain excess fluids and toxins, clear colon blockages, loosen adhesion, lift connective tissue, and bring blood flow to stagnant muscles and skin.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is most commonly used around the abdomen and feet. It is particularly known for it’s ability to turn breeched babies, but also has many other benefits. Moxa is used with certain health issues where there are deficiencies of energy.
Moxibustion can also help with joint pain, arthritis, diarrhea, kidney stones, menstrual cramps, infertility, sperm motility and more…
Moxa therapy or moxibustion is a common health therapy practiced in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet and Mongolia. It is a “warming” technique using the herb mugwort or Ai Ya. Moxibustion helps to increase blood circulation, tonify energy, stimulate the digestive system and boost the immune.
References:
“Chinese Cupping Therapy.” Green Alchemy. Drupal, n.d. Web. 13 July 2016.
“Key Health Benefit of Moxibustion.” Moxaherbs. N.p., 31 Oct. 2015. Web. 20 July 2016. <http://www.moxaherbs.com/category/moxibustion-beginner/>.
Moxibustion using a Moxa Roll. 2015. Moxaherbs. Web. 20 July 2016. <http://www.moxaherbs.com/category/moxibustion-beginner/>.
Nino, Philip. “Moxibustion Jokes.” Cartoon. Acupuncturephil’s Blog of Awesome (2014). Web. 20 July 2016. <http://acupuncturephil.com/post/73190329952/moxibustion-jokes>.
Rushall, Kathleen. “The Many Benefits of Chinese Cupping.” Pacific College. N.p., 20 Sept. 2014. Web. 13 July 2016.
TCM Cupping- Image. 2010. Honolulu. Web. 13 July 2016. <http://www.chinesemedicineinfo.com/?project=curabitur-accumsan-2>.
Valentin, Deborah. “The Benefits of Moxibustion Therapy.” Sage Wellness Acupuncture PC. N.p., 9 Mar. 2011. Web. 20 July 2016. <http://sage-wellness.com/blog/2011/03/the-benefits-of-moxibustion-therapy/>.
Wu, Henry D. “Cupping.” Oriental Art of Healing. N.p., 2015. Web. 13 July 2016. <http://www.orientalartofhealing.com/services/>.
