Generally, cupping and gua sha are combined with acupuncture in one treatment, but can also be used alone. During a cupping treatment, glass cups will be suctioned to the muscle layer. Gua sha treatments involve scraping the skin with a ceramic or horned animal bone tool after a lubricant oil has been applied. These treatments are used in order to loosen muscles, encourage blood flow and sedate the nervous system. Both are useful in the treatment of back and neck pain/tension, anxiety, fatigue and migraines. They also clear congestion from the common cold and can help to control asthma symptoms. These treatments will leave red or purple bruises in the area for about a week following treatment. This bruising is called “sha” and is an indication that the stagnation of blood in the area has been released. Cupping/gua sha treatments may include both modalities or just one or the other depending on the condition.