The Acupuncture & Wellness Center - Northborough, MA

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is so old that it predates the use of needles for acupuncture. It has been found in tombs that are 5,000 years old.  Moxa , a word derived from the Japanese term "mogusa", is a wool-like plant material made from dried and rubbed mugwort leaves.  In this photograph, you see moxa that has been wrapped around the metal handle of an acupuncture needle. When lit, it smolders like a coal, heating the needle to its tip, sending heat deep inside.  Moxibustion is extremely comfortable. It warms the body, rids damp, and stimulates the smooth flow of qi and blood.  Moxa is so tied to the origins of acupuncture, that in Chinese there is no word for acupuncture alone without moxa.  Diane Jones uses moxibustion frequently to improve digestion or gynecological problems, and to boost the immune system and overall health.  

Cupping

Cupping is an ancient technique used in may cultures throughout Europe and Asia.  A special glass cup is placed on the skin, and then held in place by suction to treat a wide variety of problems such as recent respiratory infections, acute and chronic injuries, and sometimes longterm digestive weakness or other deficiency problems.  Cupping is comfortable, and and brings fresh blood and circulation to problem areas.  Traditional cupping, called "fire cupping", uses flame to create a vacuum-like suction inside a glass cup.  With full respect to tradition, Diane Jones  instead uses modern cups that attach to a pump to create the same suction. 

Recently, many Americans have become aware of cupping because of the large and visible round marks left on the backs of Olympic swimmers.  Athletes tax their bodies enormously, and cupping is great for bringing in new blood and qi to help them recover and reach peak performance.  Most of us will never be in the Olympics, and for many people, no cupping marks are left at all. For others, Diane informs them ahead of time if she thinks there will be marks.  Generally, these are painless and resolve within a few days. 

Gua Sha

Gua sha is an invaluable traditional acupuncture technique that involves scraping lubricated skin with a massage tool.  Like cupping, gua sha is used to increase blood circulation, and can be extremely useful for cold and flu symptoms, as well as for injuries, both chronic and acute.  For most people, Gua sha is quite a bit less painful than deep tissue massage, and can have much longer lasting beneficial results.  It is common for gua sha to produce light petechiae that clear up completely with a few days.