Therapies

Alongside acupuncture itself, traditional Chinese medicine includes several techniques that stimulate the body's surface using cups, scraping tools or specialised needles. These methods complement acupuncture by providing different forms of controlled stimulation and are selected according to the individual's needs. Because they often leave temporary marks, I use them selectively and will frequently choose alternative approaches where they are likely to achieve the same therapeutic aim.

Cupping

Cupping has been practised in many cultures throughout history, including ancient Egypt, Greece and later China. In Chinese medicine it is most commonly performed using dry cups placed on intact skin, creating gentle suction over selected areas. Depending on the condition being treated, the cups may remain stationary, glide across the skin, or occasionally be combined with acupuncture needles.

Modern understanding suggests that cupping provides a controlled mechanical stimulus to the skin and underlying tissues, encouraging local circulatory, neurological and tissue responses. Like many traditional therapies, it may be viewed as providing a temporary challenge that encourages the body to adapt and recover.

Traditional "fire cupping" where a flame creates the vacuum

Modern Cupping

Cupping marks after treatment

Gua Sha 刮痧

Gua sha literally means "scraping sha." Sha is a traditional Chinese medical term referring to the temporary reddish or purplish skin markings that appear during treatment. Historically, these were interpreted as the release of pathogenic influences, whereas today they are more commonly understood as the result of controlled mechanical stimulation of the superficial tissues using a smooth-edged tool. This stimulation is thought to encourage the body's natural adaptive and repair processes. Gua Sha shares many therapeutic aims with cupping but produces linear rather than circular markings.

Similar approaches have also been adopted within modern rehabilitation under names such as Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM) and the Graston Technique, reflecting a growing interest in the therapeutic effects of controlled mechanical stimulation.

A Gua sha tool

Gua sha marks

Full back Gua sha

Plum Blossom Needling

The Plum Blossom or Seven Star needle consists of a small cluster of fine needles mounted on a handle. Rather than inserting individual needles, the skin is gently tapped to provide a widespread but superficial stimulation. Depending on the condition being treated, this may produce slight redness or a few tiny droplets of blood.

Historically, the technique was sometimes used to produce a small amount of superficial bleeding as part of treatment. From a modern perspective, it can also be viewed as a form of controlled micro-stimulation that activates local sensory, inflammatory and tissue repair responses. Modern microneedling has independently developed many similar principles and is now commonly used for scar remodelling, collagen induction and, increasingly, certain forms of hair loss. Although the techniques and therapeutic aims are not identical, the comparison provides a useful modern point of reference.

A Seven Star needle

A derma-roller

Plum Blossom Markings

My Approach

I tend to think of these techniques as occupying the middle ground between massage and acupuncture. Rather than inserting needles deeply or working only with the hands, they provide a controlled stimulus to the skin and superficial tissues using specialised tools.

Their purpose is not to remove toxins or force change within the body, but to encourage the body's own adaptive responses. Because they often leave temporary marks, I reserve them for situations where I believe they offer a clear advantage over less visible alternatives. The temporary marks can also serve as a reminder that healing continues after the treatment itself, gradually fading as the tissues recover.