Other Treatments

The benefits of acupuncture can be enhanced using several techniques, namely Guasha, Infrared Therapy & Moxa, Cupping, and the use of Electro-Magnets.

Guasha

Guasha, in Traditional Chinese Medicine is a technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to stimulate circulation and release muscle tension. The term “gua” means “to scrape,” while “sha” refers to the reddish, raised skin that results from the treatment, sometimes described as petechiae.

Cupping

Cupping uses a cup to pull an area of skin into a suction that decompresses muscles and connective tissue. This promotes blood flow to the compromised area, enhances circulation and helps to increase the body’s own healing processes.

Infrared Therapy & Moxa

Infrared therapy uses certain wavelengths of light that are delivered to sites of the body that have injuries and help cells regenerate or repair themselves. Similarly in terms of the heat element, Moxa therapy also known as Moxibustion, uses burning Mugwort (Moxa) to warm acupuncture points. This boosts circulation, strengthens immunity and dispels cold and dampness in the body. It is a gentle, warming therapy that supports deep healing and vitality.

Magnets

Magnetic therapy works through using the power of static biomagnets to restore cellular magnetic balance. This improves circulation since biomagnets are attracted to the iron in the blood which increases blood flow and can achieve numerous health benefits.

Why Guasha?

Guasha can significantly reduce pain through the release of anti-inflammatory chemicals, namely cytokine and nitrous oxide, which are both involved in the vasodilation of capillaries for increased blood flow and the inhibition of platelet adhesion. It promotes internal wound repair through cellular homeostasis and cyto-protective responses to cellular stresses.

The act of dredging the skin means stimulating the surface channels and tissues which move substances such as blood, qi, fluids and phlegm. This reduces stasis, making things become ‘unstuck’ and therefore lessens pain or discomfort. Through moving substances, it also has the effect of warming and nourishing the blood.

“Guasha is adaptogenic which means it helps the body better cope with stress by normalizing bodily functions and increasing resistance to these burdens. The action of scraping works by stimulating the pituitary gland which is responsible for regulating stress hormones, namely cortisol.”

Omayma Laing

Acupuncture Treatment in Edinburgh

My clinic is in the New Town in a beautiful building with rooftop views of Edinburgh. It is easily accessible via bus and if travelling by car, parking is easy to find. My room is on the 3rd floor so you can choose to either walk up the stairs or there is a lift next to reception which opens up just outside my room (number 54).

My clinic days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday but I can have flexibility with other days, if needed.

You can book an appointment online or contact me for further information.