Cupping and Gua Sha therapy are also commonly used in Chinese Medicine.

Cupping involves glass or plastic cups being placed on the skin and creating a vacuum to achieve suction which stimulates the flow of Qi and blood within the superficial muscle layers. Gua Sha uses a tool usually made of ceramic, plastic or bone, to rub or gently scrape the skin over areas of concern.

Both are used for sore muscles, tension, the common cold and other complaints. These therapies can leave a redness on the skin known as “Sha” when stagnation is released. The sha dissipates within a few days.