Acupuncture

Acupuncture is based on the idea of Qi (vital energy) that circulates in the body via acupuncture channels. These channels are like a complex network of rivers, with numerous connections to one another, and several hundred acupuncture points that converge and diverge from one another. 

Acupuncture utilises extremely fine sterile needles (usually about 0.20mm thick) that are inserted into these acupuncture points. The intention here is to restore the natural flow of Qi by triggering the body’s natural innate healing response, to return the body into a balanced state.

Being so thin, the treatment is often painless – most patients only noting a slight sting as the needle penetrates the skin. The needles are left in for approximately 20 minutes, and most patients fall into a deep state of relaxation, or even fall asleep during their treatment. 

Cupping

Cupping refers to a technique that uses small glass cups as suction devices that are placed on the skin. Once suction has occurred, the cups are either left stationary (which leaves those tell-tale circular marks that are becoming more common), or they are gently moved across the skin.

The suction causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be lightly drawn into the cup, so rather than applying pressure to muscles as in massage, gentle pressure is used to pull them upward – like an inverse massage.

 Gua Sha

Gua Sha (pronounced gwah-shah) is a treatment that aims to move Qi and Blood around the body. It involves a rubbing/scraping of the skin in long strokes with a Chinese soup spoon or other similar tools, and leaves marks similar to cup marks called ‘Sha’. It can also be referred to as spooning, scraping, or coining depending on the tool used.

Downward scraping movements are performed on different areas of the body (most commonly the neck, shoulders and back) to bring greater mobility, relieve tension and pain, and even at the start of a cold.