Cupping & Gua sha

Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy in which a glass or plastic cup is applied to the skin using either heat or suction, in order to draw the superficial muscles into the cup. Sometimes the cup is moved, creating a deep massaging effect on the skin and muscles. This is called gliding cupping. Sometimes the cups remain static on specific acupuncture points, particularly in areas of pain. Gua sha involves scraping of the skin using a massage tool.

I may use these therapies alongside acupuncture in situations where a technique that helps to clear stagnation and encourage blood circulation would be useful - when there is chronic pain and tension for example.