Cupping therapy is an ancient healing technique that uses suction to gently lift the skin and underlying tissues. This is typically done with glass, silicone, or plastic cups placed on specific areas of the body, creating negative pressure that draws blood and lymphatic fluid to the surface. The suction helps loosen tight muscles, release fascial restrictions, and promote circulation—stimulating the body’s natural healing response. Depending on the desired effect, cups may be left stationary or moved along the skin in a technique known as "gliding cupping."

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Cupping is especially effective for treating muscle tension, chronic pain, sports injuries, poor circulation, and respiratory conditions like cough and congestion. It is commonly used to break up stagnation, reduce inflammation, and ease areas of tightness or soreness. Some patients may notice circular marks left behind by the cups, which are not bruises but rather signs of increased blood flow and detoxification in the treated areas.

 

When used alongside acupuncture, cupping enhances therapeutic outcomes by preparing the tissues and increasing circulation before or after needling. While acupuncture stimulates internal systems and energetic pathways, cupping works more directly on the musculoskeletal and fascial layers. The two therapies complement each other by addressing both the root and the symptoms of discomfort, making treatments more comprehensive and effective.

Gua Sha is a traditional East Asian healing technique that involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to promote circulation, release muscle tension, and move stagnant energy (Qi) in the body. The treatment often results in visible redness or light bruising (called “sha”), which indicates the release of built-up heat, toxins, or inflammation from underlying tissues. Though the marks may look dramatic, the process is typically comfortable and leaves clients feeling relaxed, lighter, and more open.

 

Used on its own or alongside acupuncture, Gua Sha enhances the therapeutic effects by helping to break up physical and energetic blockages more quickly. It’s especially effective for relieving neck and shoulder tension, headaches, chronic pain, respiratory congestion, and stress. By improving local blood flow and lymphatic drainage, Gua Sha also supports the immune system and aids in faster recovery from injuries or fatigue. In facial treatments, a gentler form of Gua Sha is used to promote lymphatic flow, tone, and skin vitality without bruising. When combined with acupuncture, Gua Sha deepens the body's ability to reset and restore its natural healing rhythms.

 

At Orthopedic Alternatives, Gua Sha is an included part of our Acupuncture Facials and may also be incorporated into your regular acupuncture visit. Let your acupuncturist know if you’re interested in adding Gua Sha to your treatment.

Acupressure is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that uses focused finger pressure on specific acupuncture points to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it helps balance the flow of energy (Qi), relieve tension, and support physical and emotional well-being—without the use of needles. It’s safe and effective for all ages, including children, elders, and people who may be sensitive to traditional acupuncture.

 

Acupressure can be used to address a wide range of conditions, including stress, headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, pain, and emotional imbalance. It’s also a great option during pregnancy or for those who prefer a more hands-on, soothing approach. When combined with other therapies such as acupuncture, craniosacral work, or cupping, acupressure enhances relaxation, improves circulation, and reinforces the body’s self-healing capacity.
 

At Orthopedic Alternatives, acupressure may be included as part of your acupuncture or manual therapy session—or offered on its own. If you’re curious about this gentle yet powerful technique, let your practitioner know and we’ll tailor it to your individual needs.

Auricular Therapy is a micro system that can treat the whole body through the ear, like reflexology can treat the whole body through the foot. In Auricular Therapy, specific acupressure points on the ear are stimulated with tiny seeds, crystals, acupuncture "press tacks" or regular acupuncture needles. Auricular therapy is especially effective for anxiety, depression, shock, PTSD, and detox/addition. Ear acupuncture is used effectively by Acupuncturists Without Borders to help communities that have experienced trauma. Ear acupuncture is also used in some prison systems to help inmates detox and reduce violence. 

 

At Orthopedic Alternatives, Auricular Therapy is included with acupuncture treatment, or can be scheduled as on its own as a short service. Let your acupuncturist know if you would like to try Auricular Therapy.

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of the herb Artemisia vulgaris, commonly known as mugwort, near specific acupuncture points on the body. The heat generated by moxibustion is believed to penetrate deeply into the tissues, warming the meridians and stimulating the flow of qi (vital energy) and blood. It can be applied directly—using a moxa stick held near the skin—or indirectly, often in combination with acupuncture needles or a warming device. The gentle, penetrating warmth promotes relaxation and supports the body’s natural healing processes.

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Moxibustion is commonly used to treat conditions associated with cold, deficiency, or stagnation in the body. It is especially effective for musculoskeletal pain, digestive disorders, fatigue, menstrual cramps, and certain types of infertility. In traditional practice, it is also used preventively to strengthen the immune system and enhance overall vitality. One well-known application is the use of moxa on acupuncture point UB 67 to help turn breech babies in late pregnancy—a technique supported by several clinical studies.

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Moxibustion complements acupuncture by enhancing the therapeutic effects of needle stimulation, especially in cases where warming, nourishing, or moving energy is indicated. While acupuncture moves and regulates qi, moxibustion adds a warming and tonifying dimension that can help deepen the treatment outcome. The two are often used together in clinical practice to support healing from both an energetic and physiological perspective.

Kinesiology taping is a therapeutic technique that uses flexible, breathable tape applied strategically to the skin to support muscles, joints, and connective tissue without restricting movement. The tape gently lifts the skin, helping to reduce pressure, improve circulation, and guide the body’s natural healing response. It can also enhance body awareness (proprioception), helping to stabilize posture and movement patterns during recovery or activity.
 

This gentle, non-invasive technique is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including joint pain, muscle fatigue, sprains, postural imbalances, and inflammation. Kinesiology taping is also effective in supporting lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling, and aiding in the recovery process after injuries or surgery. It’s commonly used by athletes but is equally beneficial for people of all ages and activity levels.
 

At Orthopedic Alternatives, kinesiology taping may be offered as part of your acupuncture or manual therapy session to prolong and enhance the benefits of treatment. Let your practitioner know if you're experiencing instability, pain, or swelling—taping may be a simple and effective addition to your care plan.

Laser acupuncture is a modern, needle-free technique that uses low-level (cold) laser light to stimulate traditional acupuncture points and promote healing. The process works through photobiomodulation, where specific wavelengths of light interact with the body’s tissues to boost cellular energy production, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. This is a non-ionizing, non-thermal therapy—meaning it is very safe and does not cause any warmth or discomfort at the acupuncture sites. 
 

Laser acupuncture is a gentle and completely painless alternative for those who may be sensitive to needles, including children, the elderly, and individuals with certain medical conditions. While low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been FDA-approved for a variety of musculoskeletal and pain-related conditions, laser acupuncture is a newer and growing field. Research is still limited but promising, showing potential benefits for pain relief, inflammation, nerve regulation, and even mood support.
 

At Orthopedic Alternatives, laser acupuncture may be integrated into your personalized care plan as a stand-alone treatment or alongside traditional acupuncture. If you’re curious about this innovative approach, let your practitioner know—we’re happy to help you explore whether laser therapy is right for your needs.