Acupuncture
The needles used in acupuncture are very different to the hypodermic needles used in Western Medicine. Acupuncture needles are not hollow and they do not slice through skin and muscles. Instead, they have a conical shaped tip, parting the skin and muscle as the needle glides into the acupuncture point. This means that there is little to no discomfort when the needle is inserted. Acupuncture needles are single-use and sterile, and they are made of stainless steel. Therefore they do not break or cause infection.
Moxibustion
This is the process whereby a small bundle of herb is burnt either
on the end of the needle or over the skin of an acupuncture point.
This is used to put warmth into the channel to remove cold
blockages, or for such conditions as “frozen shoulder”.
Cupping
Heat is placed inside a cup to create a vacuum which is then placed
onto the skin creating a suction effect. This is used to remove
toxins and old blood from sore muscles. As a result of this the
skin may appear bruised at the site of cupping due to the toxins coming up to the surface. There is no discomfort
and the marks will disappear after a couple of
days.
