Moxibustion
Ai Ye or Mugwort Leaf 
(Artemisiae Argyi Folium)

Ai Ye is used in a rolled stick, or on the end of the needle in a compressed leaf or smokeless charcoal form. A Moxa stick may  be hand held, in a box or tool for rolling to create warmth. It can also be used directly on a slice of ginger or salt pile and can also be placed on the end of a needle to get directed heat to a point.
It is used to warm and usually tonify points where there is an indicated need.
Moxibustion (Moxa) is often used in gynaecological treatments.

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Cupping
Cupping can be helpful to relieve pain or illness due to the Chinese medicine diagnosis of Qi and Blood stagnation. This may present itself in several ways, for example muscle aches and stiffness in the back due to strain or cold, painful periods or tension in the neck and shoulders.
Cupping uses sterile glass cups which are placed over a few specific points. Usually no more than six cups or less are needed for good results.
A vacuum is created using heat which increases blood circulation to the area to release the stagnation. It is relaxing and not painful while the cup is in place.       
 Cupping may leave bruise like discolouration where there is stagnation or tension. If any marks remain they will recede after a few days.

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Guasha
Guasha tools are usually made from various stone such as jade, rose quartz and basalt or horn. Stone tools are used in this clinic. They are used by scraping or rolling across the skin and muscle layers to bring blood to the area. This can be used for both relieving muscle tension and pain or in a much more gentle and cooling manner in cosmetic procedures to reduce redness.  
When used to relieve muscle pain, red marks may appear where the treatment has occurred. These are painless and usually go away after a few days.

Guasha, like cupping can be a useful way to relieve chronic muscular pain

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Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture are complementary therapeutic modalities, often used together. Throughout the last 5000 years, Chinese medicines have been used in herbal formulas passed down from scholar to scholar through the generations. There are around 1800 herbs in the Chinese pharmacopeia which are classified according to their energetic qualities, functions and the disharmonies they address.

Individual herbs are combined in specific formulas to enhance their effects on the body. They may be prescribed as raw herbs boiled in teas, liquid extracts, pills and powders.

In this clinic we use herbal medicines in pills or capsules and powders for ease of use. As well we use herbal liniments, therapeutic and cosmetic creams. Each herbal formula is specific for the individual's condition diagnosed at the time of the appointment.

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