ELEMENT Acupuncture and Wellness
William Wessel, Licensed Acupuncturist
45 Newbury Street, Suite 208
Boston, MA 02116
617-922-1881
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a technique where acupuncturists will burn something called "Moxa" on certain acupuncture points on the body. Below are several examples of how moxa may be used during your acupuncture treatment.
Moxa comes from the herb call mugwort. It has been used in China, Japan, Korea, Tibet and is used for many reasons in Chinese medicine. It can be used indirectly (as a stick that is held close to the body), or directly on the body. Don't worry, there's no risk of being burned!
Moxa is used to warm regions of the body which will help stimulate the Blood and Qi which is flowing in our bodies. It is extremely useful in stimulating blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus which makes it ideal in the treatment of fertility. It is also very effective in treating painful conditions such as sore shoulders and neck, and also in the treatment of depression.
William is a big believer in the power of moxa and uses only the highest quality Japanese style moxa. If you have questions about moxa please ask William before your treatment.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping is another technique that may be used during your acupuncture treatment. There are several different ways the cups are applied to the skin. William uses cups that suction to the skin. Below is an example of a method called "fire twinkling."
Moxa is used to warm regions of the body which will help stimulate the Blood and Qi which is flowing in our bodies. It is extremely useful in stimulating blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus which makes it ideal in the treatment of fertility. It is also very effective in treating painful conditions such as sore shoulders and neck, and also in the treatment of depression.
William is a big believer in the power of moxa and uses only the highest quality Japanese style moxa. If you have questions about moxa please ask William before your treatment.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping is another technique that may be used during your acupuncture treatment. There are several different ways the cups are applied to the skin. William uses cups that suction to the skin. Below is an example of a method called "fire twinkling."
Cupping might be used during your acupuncture treatment as well. It is a form of traditional medicine found in many cultures worldwide. It involves placing cups on the body which the air is reduced forming a suction on the skin. It is believed to be as old as 3000 B.C. though the oldest documentation is in the oldest medical text called the Ebers Papyrus. This text explains that the Egyptians used cupping in 1550 B.C. and the Chinese used it by 1000 B.C.
Cupping may be used in conjunction with blood letting. Blood letting is when many small punctures are made to the skin using a Plum Blossom Acupuncture needle. Cupping therapy is used to dispel stagnation. This stagnation could be blood, lymph or Qi and is effective in treating respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal conditions, and for other symptoms as well. A patient may report feeling relaxed or invigorated after the treatment. The treatment is generally painless, though painless marks are generally experienced and usually last a few days or longer.
Cupping may be used in conjunction with blood letting. Blood letting is when many small punctures are made to the skin using a Plum Blossom Acupuncture needle. Cupping therapy is used to dispel stagnation. This stagnation could be blood, lymph or Qi and is effective in treating respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal conditions, and for other symptoms as well. A patient may report feeling relaxed or invigorated after the treatment. The treatment is generally painless, though painless marks are generally experienced and usually last a few days or longer.
Gua Sha Therapy
Gua Sha literally means to scrape away fever in Chinese, but more loosely means to scrape away disease by allowing the disease to escape. Gua Sha is also an ancient medical treatment and a folk treatment. Below is an example of a very large area that needed a Gua Sha treatment. This were quite a dramatic treatment!
Japanese Drawing of Acupuncturist performing Moxabustion
Gua Sha is performed by your acupuncturist by using repeated pressured strokes over lubricated skin with a smooth edge. In ancient times a ceramic Chinese soup spoon was used, or a well worn coin, or even a honed animal bone. Some practitioners used a smooth piece of jade.
The smooth edge of the Gua Sha tool is placed against the pre-oiled skin, is pressed down firmly and then moved down the muscles along the acupuncture meridians. This is repeated very quickly for several minutes. This causes the blood to come to the surface of the skin which may be red, dark red or even purplish in color. The marks can take up to a week to fade depending on the severity.
Gua Sha is excellent in helping with muscle pain and for releasing a fever, fatique, cough, headaches, as well as many other symptoms. If you have any questions about Gua Sha make sure you ask William Wessel before the treatment.
The smooth edge of the Gua Sha tool is placed against the pre-oiled skin, is pressed down firmly and then moved down the muscles along the acupuncture meridians. This is repeated very quickly for several minutes. This causes the blood to come to the surface of the skin which may be red, dark red or even purplish in color. The marks can take up to a week to fade depending on the severity.
Gua Sha is excellent in helping with muscle pain and for releasing a fever, fatique, cough, headaches, as well as many other symptoms. If you have any questions about Gua Sha make sure you ask William Wessel before the treatment.
