Cupping

Using plastic or glass cups, the air around the area is drawn out either through suction or by using a flame to create a vacuum.  This suction will increase the blood flow to the area as well as draw out any cold and/or moisture within the body.  After the cups are removed, it is normal to see a red to black mark resembling a bruise, as well as excess moisture on the surface.  This often has an immediate effect of relieving aches and pains cause by muscle tension and a long-term effect of cell repair due to the increased blood flow.  It can also serve to assist the body in repairing any tissue damage and opening the blood vessels. Cupping can be done in a fixed area or can be glided around to aid in tension release.

Gua sha

By stimulating the skin using a smooth-edged tool, blood flow is increased to the area. As with cupping, the increased blood flow can make the skin appear bruised after this is performed.  Increasing the blood flow reduces inflammation and promotes healing.  White blood cells are the body’s own healing mechanism so drawing them to an area serves to speed the healing process. Gua sha is generally performed on a person’s back, neck, arms and legs.  The appearance of a bruising like discoloration often scares people who have not seen it before, but it is actually quite harmless and is part of the healing process.  Inflammation is generally a symptom of the body protecting itself, increased blood flow reduces this inflammation, relieving the pain, and allows the body to heal itself better.

Dry needling

Acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin and muscle.  By direct muscle stimulation, knots and inflammation are directly targeted and reduced.  The length of time the needles remain in the body will vary according to the methodologies used by the practitioner.  Patients will often experience an immediate pain relief along with improved flexibility and range of movement.  This is method commonly used to treat sports injuries and any injuries that involve muscle pain.