Cupping, Gua Sha, Ear Seeds and E-Stim

Cupping therapy is an ancient  Chinese Medicine therapy that involves placing special cups on your skin that creates suction.

• Benefits: Cupping lifts the facia improving blood flow to the tissue, reduces muscle tension, promotes healing and  detoxes any toxins stored in the body.
  
• Technique: At Santiam AcuSpa we use fire cupping. Fire is used to create suction in the glass cups. The glass cups are placed where therapeutic relief is needed.
• Side Effects: Redness and sometimes bruising.

Gua Sha in a TCM therapy that uses a smooth edge tool to scrape the skin in one direction.

• Technique: A practitioner uses a smooth-edged tool made from jade, quartz, or other materials to firmly stroke your skin in one direction on your back, neck, arms, legs, or even face (with a gentler approach).
• Goal: This "scraping" aims to increase blood circulation, break up stagnant Qi (energy flow), and reduce inflammation.
• Benefits: Gua sha is used to address various issues, including chronic pain, muscle tension, headaches, and respiratory problems.
• Side effects: Gua sha can cause temporary redness, bruising, and discomfort. It's generally safe, but avoid it on broken skin or irritated areas.

E-stim acupuncture, also known as electroacupuncture, is a modern variation of traditional acupuncture that incorporates a small electrical current to enhance the therapeutic benefits.

Benefits: This therapy offers the same benefits as acupuncture including pain relief, improved circulation and reduced inflammation.

E-Stim is particularly effective for certain conditions like:

• Chronic pain (e.g., back pain, arthritis)
• Muscle tension and spasms
• Nausea and vomiting (e.g., post-operative)