Alongside using acupuncture needles, one or more of the following techniques may be used during your treatment:
- Cupping: This procedure uses glass cups which are placed over acupuncture points. You may feel suction on the area where the cups have been placed and in some cases it may be slightly red after treatment. This is normal and does not last. Cupping promotes the free flow of qi and blood and is very beneficial for musculoskeletal problems. When used with oils, slide cupping feels like an “inside out massage”, it is very beneficial for muscle aches and pains and all my patients love the experience.
- Ear Acupuncture: Sometimes points may be needled in one or both ears. After your treatment, a small seed may be placed onto an acupuncture point in the ear with some clear tape. This is a great way to continue your treatment yourself – you may be asked to press this point from time to time. This is often used in detox and smoking cessation programmes.
- Electro-Acupuncture: A small machine which delivers a light pulse to the acupuncture point. It feels like someone gently tapping the point with their finger.
- Moxabustion: or “moxa” is a heat treatment using the Chinese herb mugwort to gently heat an acupuncture point. It may be placed on the end of the needles, or held a couple of inches from the skin. Patients often enjoy this sensation and it is helpful in painful or cold conditions.
