What are Cupping, Gua Sha, and Auricular Acupuncture?
Cupping, Gua Sha, and Auricular acupuncture are all modalities that acupuncturists use in various treatment protocols. Cupping relieves sore and stiff muscles and joints by aiding circulation. Cupping is also used for treating colds and flus. The process involves creating vacuum in the cup and then placing it on the skin. The cup pulls on the skin and underlying tissue, thereby increasing circulation of qi. Cupping is not painful, but can leave black and blue marks that go away within a few days Gua Sha or scraping relieves sore and stiff muscles and joints, and can be applied to areas of the body that cupping cannot. Gua Sha involves applying a lubricating oil to the skin and than scrapping that area with a blunt tool, such as a porcelain spoon, or specially made wooden instruments, until the area turns red. This procedure can be a little painful, but the pain-relieving results are worth it. The red spots usually disappear within a few days. Auricular acupuncture is a widely used micr
