Non-Needle Options

Other Chinese Medical Modalities

Acupressure

Acupuressure or tui na is the Chinese medical form of massage therapy. Acupressure points in the body can be stimulated in the body to provoke deep relaxation and a healing response that has some similarities to acupuncture.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion, (Chinese: 灸; pinyin: jiǔ, Japanese: “okyu”) is widely used in the traditional medicines of China, Japan and Korea. It is has been used as a physical therapy for thousands of years and is an effective companion or alternative to needles. Artemisia (mugwort) is most commonly used in moxibustion. Our clinic specialises in the Fukaya and Kinseikyu methods of Japanese moxibustion.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a form of soft tissue manipulation and mobilisation. It has a similar effect as cupping.  Gua Sha is a Traditional Chinese Medical technique, similar to ‘Graston Technique’ used by Chiropractors and Physiotherapists. It enhances microcirculation to the painful/tense area treated (usually the neck, or back), and relieves pain and tension.

Cupping

Cupping is used in many medical traditions. Its practice has been refined over two thousand years in by Chinese doctors.  We use glass fire cupping in particular on the abdomen, to help improve function and circulation in the torso and digestive system. Like Gua Sha, it can also assist with the release of tension and stagnation, greatly increase circulation, break up adhesions in fibrous tissue and to boost energy. It can also be used to reduce cellulite and improve the complexion by stimulating collagen and elastin.

Chinese herbal medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is another main pillar of Chinese medicine, and is not currently available at Cranbrook Acupuncture Clinic.  If it is something that would benefit you, we can recommend excellent herbal TCM practitioners.