Please read this before you act on anything here
Content on this site is educational and is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with your own healthcare provider before starting any new therapy, especially if you are pregnant, have a medical condition or take medication.
Jessica Galaska is a licensed acupuncturist. Reading this website does not create a practitioner–patient relationship between you and the author. The information here is general in nature and cannot account for your personal medical history, medications, pregnancy, or existing conditions.
When to stop and call someone
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden severe headache, weakness on one side, or confusion: call emergency services.
- New numbness, tingling, or loss of bladder or bowel control with back pain: seek urgent care.
- Pain that is getting steadily worse over days, unexplained weight loss, fever with pain, or pain that wakes you at night: see your physician.
Tools and self-treatment
Acupressure mats, cupping sets, gua sha tools and heat products are generally safe for healthy adults when used as described, but they are not appropriate for everyone. Each guide on this site lists specific cautions. Common reasons to avoid or modify these tools include pregnancy, blood-thinning medication, bleeding disorders, diabetes with reduced sensation, open skin, recent surgery, active infection, and cancer treatment. If any of these apply to you, ask your provider first.
Never use any of these tools on a child without guidance from a qualified provider.