Adjunctive Modalities
Acupuncture is often the foundation of treatment at Five Seasons Healing, but sometimes the body benefits from additional therapeutic tools to achieve the best results.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a traditional heat therapy that uses the herb mugwort to warm specific acupuncture points or areas of the body.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, warmth is often used to promote circulation, encourage movement, and support healthy physiological function. Moxibustion can be particularly helpful when cold, deficiency, or stagnation are contributing factors to a condition.
Moxibustion is commonly incorporated into treatment plans for:
- Fertility support
- Pregnancy care
- Digestive concerns
- Pain conditions
- Fatigue and low energy
- Circulatory issues
Cupping
Cupping therapy uses glass or silicone cups to create gentle suction on the skin.
This technique increases local circulation, helps release areas of muscular tension, promotes movement of blood and fluids, and supports the body’s natural healing response.
Many patients are familiar with the circular marks that cupping can leave behind. While these marks are temporary, they often indicate areas where circulation has been stagnant.
Cupping may be beneficial for:
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Back pain
- Sports recovery
- Muscle tightness
- Respiratory congestion
- Stress-related tension
- Injury recovery
Gua Sha
Gua Sha involves gently stroking the skin with a smooth-edged stone or porcelain tool to promote circulation and release areas of tension and stagnation.
This therapy helps encourage healthy blood flow to the affected tissues and can be particularly effective for pain, muscle tightness, and inflammatory conditions.
Gua Sha is commonly used for:
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Injury recovery
- Stress-related tension
- Respiratory conditions
- General circulation support
Tui Na
Tui Na is a form of Traditional Chinese medical bodywork that combines massage, mobilization, and manual therapy techniques to restore healthy movement and circulation.
Unlike relaxation massage, Tui Na is performed with specific therapeutic goals in mind and is often used to address pain, injury, tension, and musculoskeletal dysfunction.
Tui Na may help support:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Sports injuries
- Joint pain
- Muscle tension
- Recovery from acute or chronic injuries
