Gua Sha is a natural and very effective alternative therapy that helps to improve circulation and relieve muscular pain. The technique involves using a massage tool to scrape the skin to stimulate the microcirculation of the soft tissue. The strokes help to release old trapped blood filled with lactic acid and cellular waste. The therapy helps to remove the waste by clearing it out of the muscle and into the lymphatic system. The body can then release the waste through the lymphatic system via sweat, urine or bowels. The body then can filter fresh oxygenated blood into the muscles and soft tissue to promote healing. Gua Sha helps to open up the pathways in the body to assist with the proper flow of qi and blood. It is like a recycling program for the blood. 

 

Cupping is another very effective alternative therapy that has been used in traditional medicine in several parts of the world. It involves creating suction on the skin using a glass, ceramic, bamboo, or plastic cup. Negative pressure is created in the cup by applying a flame to the cup to remove oxygen before placing it on the skin. This therapy is similar to how gua sha works but works deeper into the soft tissue by drawing out the toxins on the deepest layer of the muscle. Cupping helps with pain and inflammation while increasing blood flow, relaxation and well-being. The technique is regarded as a type of reverse deep-tissue massage. 

 

Cupping Functions:

-Promotes free flow of Qi and blood, systemically as well as locally
-Purification of the blood, increases red and white blood cells, changes the internally acidic environment to a more alkaline

-Increases and supplies nutrients to all tissues
-Diminishes pain and swelling
-Improves function of the sweat, sebaceous glands and cutaneous respiration
-Draws out pathogenic factors like wind, cold and damp invaders
-Promotes peristalsis and enhances secretions to the digestive enzymes
-Improves the function of the lymphatic system

 

Cupping Indications:

-Cough and wheeze
-Asthma
-Stomach Aches
-Indigestion
-Constipation
-Vomit
-Diarrhea
-Muscular Pain (upper/middle/low back, hips, shoulder, leg, arm, neck)
-Tight and sore muscles 
-Headache/Migraines
-PMS
-Menstrual cramps
-Snake Bites
-Boils

-Facial Paralysis

 

Cupping Aftercare:

1. Stay out of the elements (wind, cold, air conditioning) by covering up the area cupped for the next 24-48 hours. 
2. Eat light and clean foods that are easy to digest
3. No alcohol
4. Do not swim in the ocean, pool or Jacuzzi
5. Show loved ones the cupping marks to ensure the understanding it is a therapeutic process and not harmful for the body
6. Take an Epsom salt bath (2 cups of Epsom salts/20 mins.) afterwards to increase the healing process