CUPPING, also known as myofascial decompression, is one of the most ancient medical techniques in the world.  Cups applied to the skin create a gentle suction that draws the local tissue into the cups and may leave behind short lived circular discolourations.  The old Chinese Medicine maxim says that “where there is stagnation, there is pain,” and cupping addresses this by removing obstruction, enriching circulation, and encouraging the body to heal and regenerate.  Cupping is a very safe method of treatment that can be utilized for a variety of conditions including musculoskeletal pain and tightness, athletic overtraining or strain, and stress reduction.  In addition, cupping may also optimize athletic performance, speed up recovery, stretch muscles and connective tissues, relieve stress, improve overall wellbeing and so much more. 

BENEFITS OF ADVANCED CUPPING THERAPY INCLUDE:

• Alleviation of pain.
• Reduced muscle tightness and tension.
• Improvement in range of motion restrictions.
• Increased oxygen in local tissues due to increased blood flow. 
• Reduction in inflammation. 

TUINA therapy is a manual form of massage rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine which is often used in addition or as an alternative to Acupuncture needling.  Often referred to as Acupressure, this manual therapy is commonly used to test muscles and tissues for areas of dysfunction, to calm and soothe the body, and to support secondary and tertiary complaints and ailments while maintaining the primary treatment messages by needle prescription.   

MOXIBUSTION is a form of heat therapy which utilizes the burning of a compressed herbal stick of powerful medicinal ingredients near the surface of the skin around areas of pain/discomfort or specific acupuncture point locations.  The smoldering end of the moxa stick is held an inch or so away from the skin surface until the area is infused with deep penetrating medicinal warmth.  A smoke free moxa lamp option is also available as a widespread, deep penetrating prescriptive warming therapy designed for larger treatment areas.  Moxibustion is commonly and successfully used for arthritis pain, many digestive disturbances, low back pain, severe exhaustion, immune system protection, and gynecological and obstetric conditions like dysmenorrhea (painful periods) and breech presentation in late term pregnancy. 

GUA SHA is a natural alternative therapy that involves scraping of the skin surface in long strokes using specific tools.  This therapy is commonly used to improve circulation to a specific area of disease or disorder, break down scar tissue and connective tissue, relieve muscle and joint pain, reduce inflammation and improve movement in joint range of motion.  This technique uses just enough pressure to create minor local bruising with red or purple spots called petechiae that usually dissipate within a few days.