Cupping has numerous benefits – it can help remove toxins from the body and stimulate the flow of fresh blood and lymph to the affected area and throughout the body. It often works wonders for patients with the flu, colds, coughs, back and muscle pain, poor circulation, anxiety, red itchy skin conditions (though cups are not applied to inflamed areas), allergies, fevers, aches and myriad other pains.
What Is Cupping?
Cupping (or hijama) is placing glass cups or bamboo jars as suction devices on the skin (usually on the back or large muscles) to draw out pathogenic factors, move blood to the surface to trigger the lymphatic system, clear the blood vessels, and stretch and activate the skin.
One way to think about cupping is that it is the inverse of massage: rather than applying pressure to muscles, the suction pulls the skin, tissue and muscles upward. The underlying tissue is raised, or sucked, partway into the cup. The purpose of cupping is to enhance circulation, help relieve pain, remove “heat” and pull out the toxins that linger in your body’s tissues.
One very common area to be cupped is the back, although cups work well on other areas, too – particularly on fleshy sections of the body.
Fun Fact!
Remember the round purple marks on Olympic swimmers at the 2008 Beijing Games, and again at the 2016 Rio Games? That was cupping! Hollywood stars and pro athletes have been showing off their cupping marks for years. What are YOU waiting for? Call today to give it a try!
Cupping is not exclusive to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Variations of this treatment were used by ancient Egyptians, Native Americans and early Greeks, and in other Asian and European countries. Cupping therapy was even recommended by Hippocrates, the man many consider the “Father of Medicine,” in his guide to clinical treatment.
What Does Cupping Treat?
Respiratory conditions – it relieves and can clear congestion from a common cold or help control asthma.
It also relieves back and neck pain, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines and rheumatism, helps with high blood pressure, and much more.
Does It Leave Visible Marks?
Yes. Cupping, like Gua Sha, leaves distinctive marks on the skin. While this is not harmful or painful in any way, the markings appear as dark round bruises.
Is Cupping Right for You?
Cupping should not be used on patients who bleed easily or cannot stop bleeding, or who have skin ulcers or edema. It is unwise to cup over large blood vessels as well. Pregnant women should be cupped with extreme caution, and never on the abdomen.
I will provide you with informed consent information before using this therapy.