Auriculotherapy or Ear acupuncture/acupressure: The ear contains hundreds of points which map our organs, different parts of our bodies and their functions or energetics. Either short ultra thin needles are inserted or small seeds or tiny metal balls are taped to different points on the ear to mildly stimulate various points for healing over a longer time.
Ear acupuncture protocols are especially useful for pain, addictions (Drug/Alcohol/Nicotine/Food etc) , as well as other psychoemotional issues like Depression and Anxiety.
Moxibustion or Moxa for short is the use of the dried and finely ground up herb, Artemesia Vulgaris on specific points of the body directly or indirectly. The effect of direct moxa is used in Japanese Acupuncture to unblock the meridians, reduce pain, clear blockages on the emotional level, stimulate the immune system, regulate the nervous system and many more. It is usually very relaxing and warming and is very helpful for conditions such as Arthritis, Asthma, Bronchitis, Low Immunity, Neuralgias as well as acute respiratory infections.
Cupping is a method of stimulating acupuncture points by applying suction through a glass jar, in which a partial vacuum has been created.
This method produces blood congestion at the site, and therefore stimulates it. There are several different techniques for cupping therapy which are used for backache, sprains, soft tissue injures, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia.
Gua Sha (pronounced “gwa shaw” and translates to raising sand) is the ancient Asian technique of scraping the skin with a rounded edged tool to raise stagnation to the surface and release the exterior. Gua sha was historically practiced within families as a technique of self care. Typically this method used in the treatment of acute infections (cold), upper respiratory and digestive problems, Gua Sha provides relief from pain, stiffness, fever, chills, cough and nausea. It is also wonderful for frozen shoulder, insomnia, menstrual problems.
Note*: the petechiae (blood spots) and bruising that arise from this treatment will last for four to five days.
One of the most popular alternatives to Acupuncture is Acupressure. This is simply acupuncture without needles. Stimulation of the acupuncture points is performed with the fingers or different instruments. This method is commonly used for infants and small children and for people who are afraid of needles.