Cupping & Gua Sha

At Galen Wilson Acupuncture, cupping therapy and gua sha are techniques often used in conjunction with acupuncture and trigger point release during a standard acupuncture session. Cupping and gua sha sessions are also offered as stand-alone options, with both 30 minute and 60 minute sessions available.

What is Cupping?

Cupping therapy has been around for thousands of years, with the first records describing cupping therapy dating back to 300 AD. It is a part of many traditional medical systems from around the world. Research has shown that cupping therapy is beneficial for a number of things, including:

  • Decrease muscle activity which results in pain reduction

  • Muscle relaxation by improving microcirculation & promoting cell repair in tissues

  • Promotes healing via increased local tissue metabolism

  • Activate the lymphatic system to drain excess fluids and toxins

  • Good for musculoskeletal pain: Chronic lower back pain, neck pain and fibromyalgia

  • Good for digestive problems: Bloating, gastric reflux and constipation

  • Good for respiratory issues: Cough, asthma and common colds

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What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese scraping technique that is very useful for treating a wide range of conditions. At Galen Wilson Acupuncture, we use Gua Sha quite often to assist in treating musculoskeletal conditions, and is very effective for:

  • Releasing knotted muscle tissue and fascial adhesions

  • Promoting local circulation and relieving pain

  • Emotional stress

  • Tension headaches & migraines

  • Lymphatic drainage and detoxification

  • Common colds, sinus congestion & respiratory issues