Electro Acupuncture, Cupping & Moxibustion
Electro Acupuncture
Electro Acupuncture is quite similar to traditional acupuncture in that the same points are stimulated during treatment. As with traditional acupuncture, needles are inserted on specific points along the body. The needles are then attached to a device that generates electric pulses using small clips. These devices are used to adjust the frequency and intensity of the impulse being delivered, depending on the condition being treated. Electroacupuncture uses two needles at time so that the impulses can pass from one needle to the other. Several pairs of needles can be stimulated simultaneously, usually for no more than 30 minutes at a time.
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According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, illness is caused when chi does not flow properly throughout the body. Acupuncturists determine whether chi is weak, stagnant or otherwise out of balance, which indicates the points to be stimulated. Electroacupuncture is considered to be especially useful for conditions in which there is an accumulation of chi, such as in chronic pain syndromes, in Acute pain or in cases where the chi is difficult to stimulate.
Moxabustion / Moxa
Moxa, used in moxibustion, which is a treatment often used alongside the insertion of needles. The Chinese herb mugwort is burnt either on the end of a needle or directly on the patient's skin. This produces a gentle heat which is relaxing and warming and does not burn the skin.
Moxibustion is often used alongside the insertion of needles.
Cupping / Wind Cups
Cupping is a treatment where fire is used to create a vacuum using glass, bamboo or metal cups which are then placed on the skin.
Today there are more modern ways like plastic caps with a valve or silicon caps, but all are used for the same purpose.
Cupping is often used for the relief of muscle pain and at the beginning of a cold or flu. The cupping will leave a painless bruise-like mark which disappears after a few days.