Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a form of therapy in traditional Chinese medicine that entails the burning of mugwort leaves. Mugwort leaves are dried and ground into small sticks or cones called moxa (similar to incense), which are then lighted and used to warm points on your body and relieve a variety of conditions.
Moxibustion can be applied in many ways, like moxa stick, moxa cone etc. Your moxibustion therapist can apply the technique directly or indirectly. When used directly, the moxa cone rests on the site of treatment on your body. The practitioner ignites one end of the cone and leaves it to burn slowly. Once your skin starts to turn red and you begin to feel the heat, the therapist removes the cone. In other cases, the practitioner places the moxa on the acupuncture needle and ignites it. The moxa will burn on the needle until it's extinguished. The heat is transferred to the acupuncture point through the needle.
The expected physiological reactions from moxibustion can significantly vary depending on the type and technique used. By carefully considering the type of moxibustion and where and how to apply it, moxibustion can be used safely and effectively for many patients, especially good for those who want to try acupuncture but do not like needles.
Moxibustion therapy in conjunction with Acupuncture can be very effective for many diseases and conditions, including:
- back pain
- muscle stiffness
- headaches
- migraines
- tendonitis
- arthritis
- digestive disorders
- anxiety
- female health problems, such as
- menstrual cramps
- irregular periods
- infertility
Cupping
Cupping therapy is an ancient healing art in which a local suction is created on the skin. Suction is created using heat (fire) or mechanical devices (hand or electrical pumps). People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation, and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.
The cups may be made of glass, bamboo, earthenware, silicone. There are different methods of cupping, like retaining cupping, sliding cupping, dry cupping, wet cupping (bleeding cupping), needle cupping etc.
The cupping method aims to warm and promote the Qi and blood flow, thus dispelling cold, dampness, toxins, and winds. It also diminishes swellings and pains.
The British Cupping Society recommends that cupping therapy is used to treat blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia; Rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia; Fertility and gynecological disorders; Skin problems such as eczema and acne; High blood pressure; Migraines; Anxiety and depression; Bronchial congestion caused by allergies and asthma; Varicose veins.
One report, published in 2015 in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, notes that it could help with acne, herpes zoster, and pain management.