Acupuncture

What to expect?

You may feel a small sensation during the insertion, similar to a mosquito sting. This sensation subsides after ~20 seconds. If it does not, inform your acupuncturist so they can make adjustments to the positioning or remove that particular needle. After the initial sensation subsides, it is common to perceive warmth, movement, general awareness, or even mild dullness and aches. These impressions usually dissipate after 10 minutes. At this point, your nervous system has accepted that no harm will come to you. Now is when acupuncture takes its most important effect on your body.

How Does it Work?

To answer this question, we need to place it into context. When treating pain, acupuncture enables and enhances mechanisms that take place naturally. This makes acupuncture very safe long term and reduces your exposure to pharmaceuticals.  Foremost, acupuncture treatment improves blood circulation in the area in which it is applied but can also enhance inflammation-clearing enzymes.

Cupping and Gua Sha are two sides of the same coin, soft tissue mobilization.

Cupping

Cupping utilizes a cup-shaped vessel with a pump or heat source to include a partial vacuum inside once applied to the skin. This vacuum opens spaces between layers of fascia to move old fluids out and new fluids in. This allows for better movement of those layers across each other. The effect is a better range of motion in adjacent joints and improved muscle function. The experience is quite enjoyable and leaves the patient with a feeling of relaxation and an opening up.  

  • Be aware, though, this will leave round pink to purple markings on the skin surface, old fluids that are now ready to be disposed of in your lymphatic system. 

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is the use of a smooth-surfaced tool made of stone or stainless steel. After applying oil to avoid irritating the skin, the tool is applied in stroking motions to massage the fascia, not so much the muscle, under the skin. Like cupping, this helps to create space for smooth muscle movement and blood circulation. This will also leave pink to purple markings; however, the shape is less homogenous than with cupping. 

When to use cupping or gua sha vs acupuncture? 

These modalities work harmoniously to your advantage. Where acupuncture can affect precise points on the surface as well as in depth, soft tissue mobilization takes effect on larger areas.