Cupping and Gua Sha

Cupping and gua sha are ancient Chinese medicine modalities used to clear stagnation from the body. These therapies are considered some of the best tools for loosening tight muscles and they have been adopted by physical therapists and chiropractors due to their efficacy. 

Cupping uses suction cups that are either left stationary or are applied over a medicated lotion so the cup can slide along the muscle group. Gua sha uses a tool to scrape the muscle after a medicated lotion is applied. Both cupping and gua sha open blood flow, release muscular tension, and support lymphatic circulation.