Cupping
Often used in addition to acupuncture and believed to stimulate
blood flow and remove toxins, cupping involves applying heated glass cups
to the body, creating a vacuum that pulls at the skin. Chinese-medicine
specialist Njemile Jones of Alexandria’s Body in Balance Center says it’s
usually used to relieve muscle tension. A session lasts 30 to 45 minutes.
Cupping can leave circular marks and discoloration, which should disappear
in a few days. It’s not suitable for those who have heart conditions,
bleed easily, or are pregnant. Cost: $40 to $50 a session.
Acupuncture
Pain specialists agree that acupuncture, a traditional form of
Chinese medicine that involves inserting needles into points on the body
to correct imbalances, is beneficial for back pain. A study last year in
the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that half the patients suffering
from chronic back and neck pain reported improvements after acupuncture,
greatly surpassing those who received placebo treatments. A session lasts
45 minutes to an hour. Cost: $90 or more a session.
Rolfing
Rolfing involves manipulating the muscle fascia, or connective
tissue, to bring an injured body back into alignment. In a 60-to-75-minute
session, a patient lies on a table while a licensed Rolfer applies gentle
pressure to a specific area with the fingertips, back of the hand, elbow,
or forearm. “It loosens and rearranges the connective tissue to allow the
body to find a comfortable balance,” says William G. Short, a certified
Rolfer in DC. Over time, the treatment can help improve range of motion
and posture. At least ten sessions are recommended. Cost: $150 to $200 a
session.
This article appears in the June 2013 issue of The Washingtonian.
