Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy was first used in ancient China and is still used today. Popular with everyone from professional athletes to celebrities, cupping can be used in a variety of ways but is most often used for alleviation of pain and soreness. Cups are placed along specific channels and muscles in the body and work to increase blood flow, break up muscle adhesions and tension, and release toxins from the body. Scarlet Oak Acupuncture does not perform “wet” or bleeding cupping.

Gua Sha Therapy

Gua Sha is a technique that uses a flat tool in a scraping motion along the skin to release heat, improve circulation, alleviate pain and relax muscles. Gua sha can be used all over the body, but is especially useful on small areas where cupping might not be appropriate, such as ankles, feet, wrists and for tension at the base of the skull. Stand alone gua sha appointments are not available, though gua sha is often used in conjunction with acupuncture and cupping as appropriate.