Cupping and Moxibustion

Cupping therapy has long been a part of traditional Chinese medicine. It is done by placing glass cups onto the skin of the back body by way of heat and suction. Underlying tissue is then drawn under the cups while they are left on the skin for a few minutes before moving them to another location on the back. Fresh blood rushes to the area and this is when the healing takes place.

Moving (also called sliding) cupping involves moving them up and down the long muscles of the back and around the shoulder area. This is a very relaxing and therapeutic procedure.

Cupping helps open up the meridians. The meridians are channels through which Qi (vital life energy) is able to flow throughout the body and to all the organs and tissues. There are five meridians on the back and if these are properly open then energy is allowed to travel the full length of the body. Cupping is an excellent way to open these channels to ensure the energy can flow freely.

The Chinese have practiced the art of cupping for centuries. They found that it affects the body's tissue up to four inches deep. This causes the tissue to release toxins, clears blockages in the colon, activates the lymphatic system, and helps to clear the veins and arteries.

Cupping is widely regarded as the best form of deep tissue massage available. It relieves pain and tension that people hold in their back and shoulders. At Be Well, we usually combine cupping with massage and/or acupuncture for the best therapeutic result.

How Cupping Works

The right size cups are selected for the individual. An instrument of heat is placed inside the cup just before it reaches the skin. This does not burn the skin whatsoever. A vacuum is created between the cup and the skin by pressing down on the cup. Pressure can be reduced by letting a little air out of the vacuum.

The cups are either left in position or are moved depending upon the treatment principle. Speckles or a round bruise will remain after the cup is removed. This will disappear within a few days.

Cupping is unsuitable for the following people:

• » Serious heart conditions or bleeding problems.
• » Pregnant women and menstruating women.
• » Cancer patients.
• » Ulcers.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion, or "Moxa" for short, is an ancient form of heat therapy. The leaves of the Moxa plant, Artemisia vulgaris or "Ai Ye" in Mandarin, are ground up and rolled into cigar-like cylinders for indirect moxa. The ground up moxa can also be processed into a powdery like substance, about the consistency of florists' foam, for direct moxa.

When used with acupuncture, moxa heats the needles and the metal conducts the heat down into the muscles. This is the top treatment for cold-type arthritis pain and other severely painful musculoskeletal conditions.

Moxa is also effective by itself, and is an inexpensive (but cumbersome) home treatment for many types of pain, such as sore joints or menstrual cramps. Our acupuncturist will teach you how to use moxa safely at home.

Moxa, commonly known as Mugwort, has a very distinct odor when burned. Many people find the odor pleasant and relaxing. However some people have smoke or smell sensitivities. They may find it difficult to be treated with moxa.

The essential oils of moxa have a significant effect, as a type of aromatherapy or medicinal incense. All over the world, mugwort has the good reputation of a plant that keeps evil away. In European folk tradition, mugwort was put into dream pillows to keep bad dreams away.

During indirect moxa, the smoldering stick is held a couple of inches away from the skin, usually around the inserted needles. The acupuncturist monitors the heat level and communicates with the patient to provide a therapeutic level of heat while maintaining comfort and safety.

During direct moxa, the gold-colored powdered herb is formed into little balls that attach on the end of the needles. The balls are then lit, and the heat quickly travels down the needles and into the muscles, instantly warming them up and relieving pain. A safety net is placed on the skin to protect it from the ashes. However it is not normally needed, as the consistency of the moxa holds it on the needle long after the heat has burned away. The ash is then removed from the needle and discarded.

Moxibustion takes skill and caution. It is equivalent to holding a red-hot coal a couple of inches above someone's skin. Depending on the moxa technique, one may want to let the heat build up as much as a patient can tolerate. When the body's pain threshold is reached, this sends a signal to the body to send more attention to the area being treated: anti-inflammatory compounds, red and white blood cells, and endorphins. It is said that with acupuncture and moxibustion, the point is to encourage the body to pay attention to areas that are being ignored. Moxa tells the body to heal the area that is injured or out of balance.

In some traditions of moxibustion, blistering or scarring of the skin is intentionally incurred. Fortunately this is not how we do it in the U.S.!

Gentle moxa is very effective for increasing stamina, boosting the immune system, and stimulating the metabolism. Moxa is most commonly used on the back, shoulders, knees, legs, and abdomen.

With some training and much caution, patients can perform moxa on themselves or family members at home. Improper use can lead to burning or pain, so please seek personal instruction before trying moxibustion at home.

Moxa should not be used on diabetics, rheumatoid arthritis patients, or patients with fevers or hot flashes. Moxa can bring on labor, so it is rarely used with pregnant women.