TCM External Therapy

In addition to acupuncture and herbal medicine, TCM also uses some other methods of treatment.  Moxibustion is the burning of small cones of mugwort over an acupuncture point in order to drive great warmth into a specific location. Sometimes the moxa cones are placed over top of slices of ginger, garlic, or salt.  This increases the effect of the moxibustion. 

Adhesive patches are often used to treat all kinds of pain.  There are patches that are specifically manufactured herbal formulas that are applied to the skin and stick in place for many hours.  Some patches are for arthritis, some of of which are for people who need a cold sensation and some for those who need heat.

Fire cupping is when fire is lit inside clear glass cups and then the cups are quickly placed on the back.  The warm cup then makes a strong suction feeling on the skin and may be moved around or left in one spot for several minutes.  Fire cupping is very effective for pain and can improve the function of the internal organs because it helps to improve blood circulation.

Gua sha is when a thin piece of jade or ox horn is scraped across the skin to deliberately leave a red rash.  'Gua' means scrape and 'sha' means reddish black dots.   It is often done on the back, but can be done anywhere on the body.  The purpose of gua sha is to detoxify blood and tissue by bringing blood to the more superficial layers of the skin and encouraging blood and Qi to move.  This technique originated during the Stone Age when people used stones to scrape or slap the surface of the body to treat disease.  Gua sha can also open the pores and so it can dispel Heat, as in for sunstroke or fever.

Herbal soaks are also used to treat many conditions.   A herbal formula is boiled in water and then the patient soaks the afflicted body part in the broth.  This is commonly used for skin conditions, pain, numbness, or coldness, especially on the hand or foot, or to relieve and treat hemorrhoids, vaginal itching, or improve blood circulation.