Cupping & Gua Sha

Cupping therapy is an accessory technique used in many cultures to alleviate muscular pain, treat respiratory conditions, and assist with insomnia. It uses a suction technique to work the tissue underneath the skin, just like a deep tissue massage, to increase circulation and reduce pain. This techniques helps break up phlegm congestion, excess lactic acid build up, and treats chronic aches and pains.

Cupping can potentially leave colorful, circular spots on the skin called “sha”. These spots are temporary and fade over the course of a week. They vary in color from bright red to deep plum purple; the darker the color, the older or deeper the original injury to the tissue. The sha marks may appear painful to the eye, however they do not hurt or feel bruised. Cupping can bring down the severity level of a patient’s pain, and can often bring immediate relief to sore muscles.

Gua sha, pronounced ‘gwah - shah’, comes from the Chinese word for ‘scraping’. Gua sha is the Chinese medicine modality that uses a tool, often a soup spoon, to apply pressure and scrape the skin to relieve pain and tension and promote circulation. This action causes markings on the skin, called ‘sha’, which often appears as purple or red spots. Similar to cupping therapy, the sha marks may appear painful or uncomfortable but the results are quite opposite of painful as patients often feel immediate relief of pain to a certain degree. The sha marks will fade over the course of a week.

Practitioners: Meagan, Jee Ae & Jennifer All fees listed represent a time of service discount

Cupping/Gua Sha Treatment: $55/30 min

*Cupping/gua sha is included in an acupuncture session, if applicable to your condition