MOXIBUSTION
Moxibustion is the ancient and relaxing therapy of burning small cones of moxa herb, (artemesia vulgaris) on acupuncture points on the skin. Many cones of moxa can be burned on the same acupuncture point in order to generate a feeling of warmth and relaxation. Moxa can be burned on points arising over painful, strained muscles to help relieve pain or stiffness or it can be used as a general tonic to assist recovery from chronic illness or distress. The acupuncture points are usually needled following the application of moxa.
Moxa rolls may also be used to help ease pain over a large area, for example if you are suffering from sciatica.
Recent research has shown that moxibustion can be beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Burning moxa on a point on the little toe is the most successful way of turning breach babies in the womb!
CUPPING
Cupping is another ancient form of traditional Chinese Medicine. This therapy is known as cupping because cup-shaped glasses are placed on the body, either to activate the acupuncture points instead of needling, or more commonly to provide a deep massage. When the cups are moved along the meridian channels blood and Qi are encouraged to the surface in order to ease the pain of stressed and tense muscles and facilitate more rapid healing and relaxation.