Our receptionists, at Element, have a very important job. They are the face and the voice of our business. It is important that they welcome everyone to Element, that they show kindness and patience and can guide patients and clients to services that best suit them and their needs. The receptionists get asked all kinds of questions. We are grateful to have our wonderful receptionist, Jarett, blogging the majority of questions From Reception.
Question 1: Cupping and Gua Sha, what is the difference?
Cupping helps promote a natural healing response. The suction on the skin, created by the cups, helps to increase blood flow to targeted areas which, in turn, can aid in the reduction of pain that an individual may be experiencing. Many people use cupping for muscular pain and tension but cupping can also be used to help boost and balance one’s overall immune system. People who seem to request cupping most include those who take part in physically demanding labor; those who exercise frequently and at high intensity; people who suffer from pain disorders; and those trying to either prevent or recover quicker from the common cold or flu.
Gua Sha is a different form of treatment than cupping- although the benefits can be similar. The practice of gua sha involves a practitioner scraping areas of the body with a smooth-edged tool to help reduce inflammation. Gua sha helps to improve circulation of blood and lymph and can be used for pain conditions. Gua sha can also help break down scar tissue and connective tissue adhesions that can affect range of motion; this practice is also beneficial for those who have undergone surgical procedures. Gua sha can also be used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the face. We have estheticians, at Element, who offer gua sha facials.
When I asked Rebecca, one of our wonderful massage therapists/ acupuncturists to explain gua sha and cupping therapy, she said, “gua sha and cupping help reduce the traffic jams in our body created by the emotional, physical, and mental stresses of life. They both promote circulation, detoxification, and relaxation- all of which are a tonic to our nervous system- helping to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system’s ability to rest, digest, calm, and connect. This brings about a return to the natural and desired state of homeostasis.”