Moxibustion
Moxibustion is the process of warming by burning an herb over an acupuncture point. Moxa, the herb, is dried Artemisia vulgaris or mugwort. They come mainly in two forms: wool or rolled. Many attach them to the handle of the needle and are lit there. Some are placed in a heat conducting metal container which is in turn applied to the skin. Newer ones come as small rolled stubs attached to adhesive insulators which are directly applied to the skin. An old way is by burning them as rolled “tobaccos” which are manually held close to the point. Moxibustion drives the cold out of the system. It is considered better than using ultraviolet radiation.
Cupping
Cupping (also known locally as ventosa) is an ancient Chinese method of causing local congestion. A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This draws up the underlying tissues. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place. Cups may be made of bamboo, glass or plastic. A useful variation of cupping therapy is called the "rolling ventosa" where the cup is made to slide over the patient's back through the use of oils.
