Jennifer Jellis RAc.

Cupping is a healing modality that has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. It is a Chinese massage or  tuina technique that is frequently used during an acupuncture treatment. The mechanism behind cupping involves creating a deep suction effect with the skin and the underlying tissues. Usually, this involves dipping a cotton ball in 90% proof alcohol, lighting the cotton ball on fire and sticking this in the cup to rob the cup of any oxygen. This is then placed immediately on the skin to create the suction. Cups are typically left on the skin for 10 minutes. Placing cups on the skin and removing right away and repeating this is known as ' Flash ' cupping. Applying a lotion or cream base prior to cupping and moving on the skin is known as 'Slide' cupping. The suction and pressure of the cups is excellent to help: -relieve musculoskeletal pain -relieve tension headaches & migraines -improve immune function- flush out cough & colds faster -re...

It seems like this is the time of year when muscles are more prone to contract, pain in the upper back and neck region sets in. Whether it's due to colder temperatures causing us to bring our shoulders up around our ears, or forgetting to close windows at night allowing muscles to contract when the body temperature lowers as we sleep, or stress that compounds in that area-- neck and shoulder tension sets in! Acupuncture is a great tool along with a lot of different modalities for easing musculo-skeletal pain in the upper body. * Acupuncture  itself helps to release local Qi (energy) and blood stagnation which can manifest as neck rigidity and tension, compromising movement. *Cupping techniques allow for more oxygen to flow through the area and improve circulation of the tissues to release tension. *Moxabustion aids by warming the needle and bringing more energy into the tissues to also help release tight muscles. *"Tuina" is a form of massage that manipulates...