The Tribune

LAST week we took a quick look at traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and one of its most familiar components - acupuncture. This week, we dive a bit deeper into other aspects of TCM, including acupressure and cupping.

Tuina or acupressure therapy, as the latter implies, is closely related to acupuncture. Unlike acupuncture however - and this resonates with most people - acupressure does not involve the use of needles to stimulate special acupoints along meridians.

Instead, pressure is applied in various ways with fingers, elbows or special devices to improve the flow of qi (ch’i). Again, and with all TCM modalities, the practitioner will first come to a correct diagnosis then treat accordingly. Treatment sessions do run a bit longer than acupuncture sessions, typically lasting about an hour.

Cupping is one of my favourite treatments to receive. It does wonders for certain types of pain, arthritis, chest congestion, asthma, bronchitis and digestive complaints. Practitioners use glass cups or jars in different ways therapeutically to bring about healing.

To place the cups, a small glass jar is moistened inside with alcohol. A small flame is introduced inside the glass, quickly removed and the jar quickly placed on the treatment site - usually the back, abdomen, thigh or arm. As the flame is placed in the jar, it uses up all the oxygen in the area, creating a suction effect.

This is why the glass, which is not hot at all, is quickly placed on the patient. As the skin is drawn up into the cups due to the suction, it allows pores to be opened. This facilitates detoxification, relieves stagnation which in TCM theory is a cause of pain, improves blood flow and enhances the flow of qi as meridians are unblocked. Consequently, balanced is restored and healing is achieved.

Anywhere from two to 25 cups can be used depending on the goal of treatment, the size of the cup and the size of the area being worked on. If more than two cups are being used, it is likely that the cups will be stationary, that is, placed on the patient and left alone for five to 10 minutes.

The alternative to stationary cups, are running cups. Here, two cups are placed on either side of the patient’s back for example. Therapeutic oil is briefly massaged over the surface of the back. Without breaking the seal that is created, one cup is “ran” along the length of the back several times, being sure not to cross over the spine. The same is repeated on the opposite side.

The one side effect patients report is painless bruise marks as a result from the suction created by the cups. Although cupping is a safe form of therapy that requires proper technique and skill, individuals who bleed easily, or have “heated conditions” such as fevers or acute inflammation of the skin etc, should not have this form of therapy done.

Both acupressure and cupping are safe and enjoyable therapies as they are both a form of therapeutic massage. Unless an individual has a condition that is specifically contra-indicated for the therapies, children and seniors can be treated.

• Dr Monique Thompson is the founder of Cornerstone Healing Institute, an integrative family medicine clinic, and can be contacted at 356-0083 with any questions/comments. Visit www.chibahamas.com for more information.