What is Acupuncture, Cupping and Moxibustion

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the foundational practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves the gentle insertion of ultra-fine, single-use needles into specific points on the body to stimulate your own healing response. Rooted in ancient traditions, this method is believed to balance the flow of energy (Qi) and supports the proper functioning of your body’s systems.

What science says?

Modern research shows that acupuncture influences the nervous system and promotes the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, all key players in regulating pain, mood, and wellbeing.

fMRI studies reveal that acupuncture activates brain regions involved in pain perception, emotional regulation, and sensory processing. These findings help explain how acupuncture may support both physical and emotional healing by modulating the body’s natural neural pathways. [1]

Additional research shows that acupuncture increases levels of neurotransmitters such as endomorphin-1, beta-endorphin, enkephalin, serotonin, and dopamine in both the brain and bloodstream. These shifts contribute to pain relief, relaxation, immune support, and even metabolic balance — offering insight into why acupuncture is used for a wide range of conditions. [2]

Interestingly, the skin shares the same embryological origin as the brain, and it's richly embedded with receptors — acting almost like a third brain. Because acupuncture stimulates these layers of the skin, it may help explain why this therapy has such profound effects on both body and mind. (Want to learn more? Read my article on the skin as a third brain)

Acupuncture may help with:

• Pain relief (e.g., back pain, headaches, joint and muscle tensions) [3,4]

• Nervous system regulation, helping to shift out of "fight or flight" mode and promoting relaxation [5]

• Support Hormonal balance, alleviating menstrual cramps and regulating menopausal symptoms [6]

• Mental clarity and emotional resilience [6,7]

• Improved sleep [8]

Many people describe feeling deeply relaxed during treatment, sometimes entering a dreamlike or meditative state. This is your body entering a healing mode.

References:

1. Acupuncture modulates temporal neural responses in wide brain networks: Evidence from fMRI study. Molecular Pain, 6(1), 73.

2. Cabyoglu M.T., Ergene N., & Tan U. (2006). The mechanism of acupuncture and clinical applications. International Journal of Neuroscience, 116(2), 115–125.

3. Zhao ZQ. Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Prog Neurobiol.

4. Tu JF et al. Effect of Adjunctive Acupuncture on Pain Relief Among Emergency Department Patients With Acute Renal Colic Due to Urolithiasis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open. August 2022

5. Liu K, Jiang JF, Lu SF. [Effect characteristics and mechanism of acupuncture in autonomic nerve regulation]. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2021 Apr 25

6. Zhao FY et al. Acupuncture for comorbid depression and insomnia in perimenopause: A feasibility patient-assessor-blinded, randomized, and sham-controlled clinical trial. Front Public Health. February 2023

7. Fan J, Lu W, Tan W, et al. Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Anxiety Among Patients With Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2022

8. Yin X. et al. (2017). Efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment on primary insomnia: a randomized controlled trial. Sleep Medicine

Cupping Therapy

Cupping works by creating suction on the skin using specially designed cups. This gentle upward pull stretches the fascia and superficial layers.

What cupping does:

• Helps managing pain [1,2,3]

• May reduce tissue inflammation [4]

• Relieve muscular tensions by lifting fascia and muscles fibres. [1,6]

• Creates space between tissue layers by lifting the tissues, improving circulation of blood and lymph [5]

• May helps detoxify the body [6,7]

• Improves range of motion by loosening the fascia and reducing muscle tensions[1, 6]

Common complaints cupping can support:

• Neck and shoulder tensions

• Lower back pain

• Tension headaches

• Heavy legs or tight calves

• General muscular tightness

What it feels like:

Cupping doesn’t hurt, it feels unusual at first. Most people describe it as a strange pulling sensation that becomes soothing. Most people often leave the session feeling lighter and deeply relaxed.

What to expect:

You may notice circular marks on your skin after treatment. These are mild bruises and don’t hurt. They typically fade within a few days to a week.

⚠️ Cupping is not recommended if you are on anticoagulants, bruise easily, or have fragile skin.

Common cupping areas:

• Back, neck, and shoulders

• Hamstrings, calves, quadriceps

• IT band

• forearms

References:

1. Li Y, Mo PC, Jain S, Elliott J, Bleakney A, Lyu S, Jan YK. Effect of durations and pressures of cupping therapy on muscle stiffness of triceps. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2022 Nov

2. Mohammadi S. et al. (2019). The effects of cupping therapy as a new approach in the physiotherapeutic management of carpal tunnel syndrome. Physiotherapy Research International, e1770.

3. Moura CC, Chaves ÉCL, Cardoso ACLR, Nogueira DA, Corrêa HP, Chianca TCM. Cupping therapy and chronic back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2018 Nov 14

4. Lin M.L. et al. (2014). Evaluating the effectiveness of low-level laser and cupping on low back pain by checking the plasma cortisol level. IEEE International Symposium on Bioelectronics and Bioinformatics (IEEE ISBB), April 11

5. Liu, W., Piao, S., Meng, X., & Wei, L. (2013). Effects of cupping on blood flow under skin of back in healthy human. World Journal of Acupuncture - Moxibustion, 23(3), 50–52.

6. Al-Bedah AMN, Elsubai IS, Qureshi NA, Aboushanab TS, Ali GIM, El-Olemy AT, Khalil AAH, Khalil MKM, Alqaed MS. The medical perspective of cupping therapy: Effects and mechanisms of action. J Tradit Complement Med. 2018 Apr 30.

7. Umar N.K., Tursunbadalov S., Surgun S., Welcome M.O., & Dane S. (2018). The effects of wet cupping therapy on the blood levels of some heavy metals: A pilot study. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a form of Heat therapy that uses the heat from burning dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) to warm specific points on the body. While rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it can be explained through modern physiological effects.

How it works:

The heat from moxa improves circulation, enhances local blood flow, and may activate the body’s neuroimmune pathways — helping reduce pain, lower inflammation, and support the body’s healing response.

Recent clinical studies show that moxibustion has anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. It has been shown to reduce joint inflammation and inflammatory cytokines in both animal and human models [7,8] , and may also regulate gut microbiota and immune function. [3, 5]

What Moxa supports:

• Cold hands and feet or poor circulation – by increasing local microcirculation and triggering nitric oxide release, which helps blood vessels dilate and improves oxygenation of tissues [1]

• Immune function – by promoting white blood cell activity and modulating cytokines. [7,8]

• Inflammation – by reducing pro-inflammatory markers and supporting immune balance. [7,8]

• Muscle pain and joint stiffness – especially in conditions like arthritis and osteoarthritis. [2,9]

• Menstrual cramps or abdominal discomfort – by warming and relaxing the lower abdomen [6, 4]

• ILow energy or fatigue – by stimulating sensory nerves and promoting a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state. [1]

• Digestive issues and gut imbalances – by supporting gut lining integrity and microbiota health. [5]

What it feels like:

Moxa feels like a gentle heat that sinks into the skin and underlying tissues. Many people describe it as deeply soothing — “like the warmth of sunshine sinking into the skin.”

⚠️ Moxibustion is included in your Acupuncture session when appropriate. And for comfort and air quality, I use smokeless moxa in my treatments.

References:

1. Chiu, J. H. (2013). How does moxibustion possibly work? Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013

2. Lee, M. S., Choi, T.-Y., Kang, J. W., Lee, B.-J., & Ernst, E. (2010). Moxibustion for Treating Pain: A Systematic Review. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 38(05), 829–838.

3. Zhang, H., Yang, S., Jiang, Y., Chen, R., & Zhu, X. (2021). Moxibustion modulates gut microbiota and intestinal mucosal immunity in a rat model of ulcerative colitis. World Journal of Gastroenterology

4. Wang Z., Xu M., Shi Z., Bao C., Liu H., Zhou C., Yan Y., Wang C., Li G., Zhang W., Gao A., & Wu H. Mild moxibustion for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS‑D): A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies.

5. Fu L., Duan H., Cai Y., Chen X., Zou B., Yuan L., & Liu G. (2023). Moxibustion ameliorates osteoarthritis by regulating gut microbiota via impacting cAMP‑related signaling pathway. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 170, 116031.

6. Liu LY, Li XJ, Wei W, Guo XL, Zhu LH, Gao FF, Liang FR, Yu SY, Yang J. Moxibustion for Patients with Primary Dysmenorrhea at Different Intervention Time Points: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pain Res. 2020 Oct 19.

7. Zhong Y., Lai D., Zhang L., Lu W., Shang Y., Zhou H., et al. (2021). The effects of moxibustion on PD‑1/PD‑L1‑related molecular expression and inflammatory cytokine levels in rheumatoid arthritis rats. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, Article 6658946

8. Zhao Z, Li J, Wen J, He Y, Sun Z. Effect of Moxibustion on Inflammatory Cytokines for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2023 Oct 18

9. hen S., Liu W., Liang C., Liu H., Wang P., & Fu Q. (2025). Efficacy and safety of moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta‑analysis. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 59, 101979