Cupping and more
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Cupping Therapy and More

Cupping

Many have become familiar with cupping after seeing athletes on TV with red and purple spots on their backs and shoulders. What is that all about?! 

Cupping is used alongside acupuncture as an effective therapeutic technique for many health conditions, including generalized pain, injuries of the back, shoulder and neck, bronchial conditions such as asthma, colds and flus, allergies and much more. 

The circulation of qi and blood in the meridians, muscles, and body tissues can often stagnate due to an injury, illness, or sedentary lifestyle. Stagnation of qi and blood will lead to pain and other imbalances. Pain is alleviated because cupping improves the circulation in these areas helping to bring the body back into balance. It also restores the movement and flexibility of the fascia, which wraps the muscles from head to toe.

A cupping treatment can be completed in as little as 5-7 minutes, or up to 20 minutes in some cases. 

What does it involve?

Cupping involves the application of glass, silicone or bamboo cups, which adhere to the body through the use of suction induced by pressure, a pump or heat. It is mainly applied to the back and neck, but has uses in many other areas of the body.

What can I expect from a cupping treatment?

Relief from pain is often immediate but can take up to a few days to feel the full benefit from the treatment. Cups do leave a mark on the body, which can last from 2-10 days depending on the condition being treated. The marks are anything from dark pink-red rings to deep dark red circles, and are very useful as a diagnostic tool – the darker the mark, the more stagnation there is in the muscles and tissue.

Is it safe?

Cupping is safe, as long as you are treated by a licensed acupuncturist who has been thoroughly trained in diagnosing your underlying condition and provides an effective treatment strategy.

Electroacupuncture

Electroacupuncture is an exciting, modern approach to acupuncture where tiny alligator clips, which are connected to a gentle electric current, are attached to acupuncture needles to provide continuous stimulation to the area. From a traditional viewpoint, this stimulates the body to move qi and blood to speed up healing times. From a biomedicine perspective, this activates the body’s internal pharmacy to relieve pain and reduce inflammation and signals the nervous system to release locked pain patterns. 

The electric current is so gentle that it is barely felt. However, modern studies show that this treatment drastically reduces healing times, and it is becoming a popular post-surgical treatment for joint and back surgeries. Electroacupuncture is also being combined with scalp acupuncture to support memory and brain function, as well as post-stroke care.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion (Moxa for short) is a medicinal therapy that has been used in Chinese medicine alongside acupuncture for thousands of years. It involves the burning of the mugwort herb (Artemisia Vulgaris) at specified acupuncture points as a form of heat therapy and nourishes the vital substance of the body. Don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt! We remove the herb before the heated portion reaches the skin. It is a comfortable and soothing sensation, especially for those who run cold.

Ancient Chinese medical texts have many pages devoted to touting the effect of moxa on longevity and vitality, and many ancient physicians were said to live beyond 100 by employing this treatment daily. Moxa is more than a simple warming of the body; burning Artemisia over specified points on the meridian system has the therapeutic effect of circulating the qi and blood to encourage the body’s innate capacity to heal, similar to acupuncture.

Moxa is used for a wide range of conditions including:

  • Pain
  • Uterine bleeding
  • Strengthening the immune system
  • Bronchial asthma
  • Arthritis
  • Diarrhea
  • Hormone regulation
  • PMS
  • Fertility
  • Prevent miscarriage
  • Soften scar tissue
  • In addition, moxa is often used due to its ability to turn breech babies, as noted in the famously cited Journal of American Medicine Association (JAMA)1998.

Dry Needling

Dry needle therapy involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific muscle knots or trigger points. Unlike acupuncture, this method focuses solely on the muscle tissue.

Why Choose Dry Needle Therapy?

Muscle tightness can lead to pain and restricted movement. Many people struggle to find relief, often relying on medication or temporary fixes.

The Solution to Your Muscle Pain

Dry needle therapy effectively relaxes tense muscles and stimulates healing. By targeting trigger points, we help reduce pain and improve mobility. This therapy can also enhance blood flow and promote recovery.

Experience the Benefits

Many patients report immediate relief from muscle tension after just one session. If you’re tired of living with discomfort, our dry needle therapy could be the answer you’re looking for.

Evil Bone Water – Herbal Pain Relief Ointment | $40

Evil Bone Water is a powerful herbal remedy designed to relieve muscle and joint pain. This topical solution is made from natural ingredients, soothes inflammation, and promotes healing. Perfect for athletes or anyone dealing with aches and pains, Evil Bone Water is a must-have for fast, effective relief. Available at our clinic for $40.

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Contact Complete Acupuncture at 206-486-8687 to schedule your appointment.

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