Cupping involves creating suction on the skin with cups, either by using fire to remove the oxygen or by squeezing and then releasing a silicone cup. The cups can be stationary or they can be slid over the skin with massage oil. The effects are similar to a deep tissue massage only using suction instead of pressure. It feels very relaxing for most people but can leave petechiae, (i.e. tiny purple dots on the skin) for a few days.

Gua sha translates as “scrapping redness” and it involves gently scraping the surface of the skin to stimulate local inflammation, blood flow and healing. It has recently become very popular as a facial rejuvenation technique, but it’s also excellent for relieving tension and pain and can assist with recovery from injury.

Moxibustion is a technique that uses heat to stimulate acupuncture points. It was traditionally done by burning an herb known as moxa (mugwort in English) on or near the skin but now it can be done with moxa or with a stick of compressed charcoal called “smokeless” moxa. This technique warms the meridians and increases white blood cell count and blood flow. It promotes deep relaxation as well as nourishing and strengthening the body.

Tuina, which translates as “Pushing Pulling,” is the Chinese style of acupressure massage. It’s very effective on kids. My favorite way to use this technique is to teach parents how to use it at home. It’s also a great technique for adults who are very sensitive, who don’t want needles, or who want to use it on themselves at home to increase the benefits of their treatment.

This is a technique that I use on kids who don’t want needles. It is similar to using a TENS machine, only we are using it to stimulate acupuncture points. It feels a bit tingly (some kids find it tickly).

I use these on either adults or kids by pressing the end of the vibrating fork onto an acupuncture point. It stimulates the point with a gentle vibration. It is incredibly relaxing.