Cupping

Cupping therapy involves applying suction to the skin with glass cups. This gentle suction also draws fresh blood to the area, which is rich in nutrients and immune cells. This helps promote the healing process after injury, and can be used to treat asthma, COPD, joint pain, the common cold, and has a detoxifying effect.

The suction helps facilitate the flow of “qi”, the body’s vital life energy.

Muscle pain can be alleviated by reducing local inflammation. Cupping draws out old, stagnant blood to the surface, where the body can more easily break down proteins and clear away inflammatory markers, just as we recover from a bruise.

The clinic uses glass or mechanical cupping on adults and occasionally gentle silicone cups on children.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses a smooth-edged tool to gently ‘scrape’ the skin, encouraging circulation and the release of tension. Often practiced on the back, arms, legs, or buttocks — and in a softer form on the face and neck — Gua Sha helps move stagnant qi, the body’s vital life energy, which contributes to pain and inflammation when blocked. By restoring flow, Gua Sha supports improved blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, aiding the body’s natural ability to clear waste, reduce stress, and return to balance. Gentle yet profoundly effective, it is often combined with other therapies to enhance healing and overall well-being.

Tui Na

Tui Na is rooted in ancient healing practices. Tui Na works with the body’s qi — the vital life force or energy — to restore balance and ease. By applying gentle yet purposeful pressure to specific acupoints, Tui Na encourages circulation, relieves muscular and joint discomfort, and reduces stress. Much like acupuncture, it focuses on releasing blockages and harmonizing energy flow, though the hands are used instead of needles. Tui Na is often integrated with acupuncture and other therapies to support the body’s natural capacity for healing.