Tools in East Asian medicine are not just inanimate objects. They are a tangible extension of the healer’s touch, a conduit for their energy and intention to flow through. Our tools are essential for turning stagnation into flow, pain into ease, and the discordant notes of illness into wellness.
And while the true power of our medicine lies in the practitioner’s ability to evoke the body’s innate capacity for balance and harmony, the tools are essential to the work. And fine tools are a joy to use.
In this conversation with Kevin Ferst, he walks us down the unexpected path that brought him to working with local artisans in the crafting or vessels for healing in the remote Appalachian mountains of New York. We explore the nuances of cup making, from the intricate art of glassblowing to how the quality of the tool makes a difference in the clinical experience of both the patient and the practitioner.
Listen into this discussion on creating and using quality tools, and a glimpse into the complexity and challenge of designing and bringing to market handmade cups from rural USA.
As an acupuncturist, when it comes to any manual therapy outside of the practice, my go-to is usually cupping. I find myself using it more often than not before any other technique.
Kevin Ferst
Kevin Ferst is a Nationally Board Certified in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). He served Western New York for many years, starting his practice in underserved rural communities in the Southern Tier of New York where he became adept at treating severe and chronic cases. He was on Staff at Jones Memorial Hospital / University of Rochester in Wellsville NY. And has lectured across the region at places like Alfred University, the David Howe Public Library, the Mildred Milliman Cancer Treatment Center, Jones Memorial Hospital and spoken to community and service groups.
Kevin graduated from the Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine, an apprenticeship training model under top physicians from China, Taiwan, and Japan. He studied an eclectic variety of different treatment modalities which he uses in the clinic today. Cupping is one of his favorite therapies, which over many years led him to develop the handmade cups, proudly made in Alfred NY.
Kevin pratices in Bedford, NH at Perfect Point Acupuncture. https://perfectpointacupuncture.com/
Professional Grade, artisan cupping supplies can be purchased or perused at Handmade Holistic.
