| Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that | | | | The suction pressure relieves stagnation in the |
| involves the insertion of very fine needles into the | | | | affected channel and restores the flow of energy |
| body at defined acupuncture points. The needles | | | | or qi, allowing the body to heal. Cupping therapy is |
| are inserted over meridians that are energy | | | | a common traditional Chinese medicine treatment |
| channels, which circulate energy throughout the | | | | for respiratory tract infections such as, bronchitis |
| body. Acupuncture therapy clears the channels of | | | | and pneumonia. Muscular problems in the neck, |
| any obstructions and relieves pressure that | | | | shoulders and back can also be treated with |
| causes pain and illness. Common ailments are | | | | cupping therapy. |
| treated quickly and effectively with acupuncture | | | | Benefits attributed to the application of cupping |
| and the therapy can reduce tension, ease | | | | include, stimulation of the blood vessels in an |
| backache, sciatica, arthritis, migraine and cramps, | | | | affected area, easing blood clots, clearing up |
| as well as rid the body of many diseases. | | | | bruised tissue and stimulating the body's circulation |
| Fire cupping therapy, is a part of Chinese medicine | | | | system. Cupping therapy is generally applied for |
| that is used in conjunction with acupuncture, and | | | | about 15 minutes and leaves unsightly marks on |
| involves applying pressure to an acupuncture point | | | | the body for a few days. There is also a very |
| by creating a vacuum. Small glass jars or bamboo | | | | slight risk of receiving minor burns, depending on |
| cups, about the size of a baby food container, are | | | | the method of heating that is used. To allay |
| internally heated by fire and immediately applied | | | | patients fears, some cupping practitioners are |
| to the acu-point. The rapidly cooling air within the | | | | now using suction pumps instead of heated |
| jar creates a vacuum, and draws on the skin | | | | vessels. |
| beneath, thus applying pressure to the acu-point. | | | | |