Modalities
Registered acupuncturists are trained to use a variety of tools in treatment. While needles are primarily used, they are not the only healing modality we are limited to. Read on to find out more about Chinese massage, cupping and moxibustion.
Needles
The most commonly used tool in clinic, and what we study most in our schooling. Acupuncture needles are fine, hairlike needles inserted (relatively painlessly) into channels running throughout the body, in order to stimulate the movement of qi, blood, and body fluid. Read more about acupuncture here.
Cupping
Used to help move stagnation (which can sometimes feel like tension, soreness or irritability) and to help shorten and prevent colds and flus, cupping feels most similar to a deep tissue massage. Cupping can leave purple and red bruises for a week or so, but the marks don't hurt (and cupping is usually a favourite!).
Moxibustion
While we're on the subject of feeling good: moxibustion (commonly referred to as "moxa") feels great on a cold winter's day. Moxibustion involves the burning of dried mugwort leaves, held above an acupoint as a compressed stick or placed directly on an acupoint as a cone, in order to warm the area, channel, or entire body. Moxa expels cold and promotes energy, alleviating fatigue and pain, helping with immunity, and more.
Tui Na
A type of Chinese massage, tui na translates to "pushing and grasping" in English. It uses massage techniques and acupressure. Based on the same foundation as acupuncture, tui na helps open our channels for the smooth and easy flow of qi. Tui na is used for all kinds of conditions, from musculoskeletal injuries to digestive complaints and everything in between.