Moxa, Cupping and Gua Sha
Moxa
Moxa herb (dried Artemisia vulgaris) is anti-inflammatory. In the Japanese method the Moxa herb is shaped into small cones and placed directly onto the skin and it is burned until it is close to the skin. The blood circulation in the body is stimulated through the warmth that is generated in this way.
Usually, Moxa is used in addition to acupuncture or it can be placed directly on an acupuncture needle to transport warmth deeper into the body.
Cupping
Cupping is another external treatment method of Chinese medicine. Cupping therapy uses heated cups which are placed on the skin to create a local suction that generates a strong circulation of blood and Qi.
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In cupping massage the cups are placed on skin that has been oiled which permits the cups to be moved around. This cupping massage is used primarily to relieve muscle tension or when wind or cold has penetrated the body.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha (Gua = scrape, Sha = acute illness) is a scraping technique that uses a rounded spoon or coin on skin that has been oiled. This promotes a stronger circulation of blood under the skin and mobilizes the Qi.
Gua Sha is a detoxification method and is therefore used to treat acute illnesses such as colds, coughs, fever, pain or muscle tension.