Cupping is a traditional body therapy practice for over 3,000 years. Cupping originated in Asia, the middle east, and Africa. It is now utilized throughout the world.
Cupping is simple to apply and offers extraordinary results. It provides many benefits for an array of conditions.
Contents
What Does Cupping Treat?
The main issues cupping addresses is musculoskeletal pain, headaches, onset of colds, and areas affected by limited range of motion.
Cupping most commonly addresses acute and chronic neck pain, upper and lower back pain, as well as hip pain. Cupping is a powerful treatment strategy for people recovering from accidents, sport injuries, or general debilitation.
Who Should Consider Cupping Treatments?
People who benefit most from cupping are athletes or people engaged with demanding physical work on a regular basis. Cupping is also an important therapy for people with limited range of motion due to long lasting discomfort. Cupping can create a radical change in life for people who have learned to accept pain as a normal aspect of life.
The continued use of cupping therapies throughout the ages is due to practical benefits it provides. Traditional methods of healing still in use today are here because they work and provide relief in a simple manner without adverse side-effects.
How Does Cupping Work?
During cupping treatment the practitioner quickly inserts and removes a flame within a glass cup which creates a vacuum. This vacuum pulls and expands blood vessels around the problematic area once a cup is placed on the body.
The skin will begin to redden and swell as suction is left in place which indicates greater blood flow. This enhanced blood flow generates a healing process and supports repair of unhealthy tissues causing pain. The body’s repair process caused from treatment is essential to cupping therapy and provides maximum benefits.
Modern Cupping Techniques
A more contemporary approach is regulating suction with a hand-pump through plastic cups. This style has the ability to provide the greatest amount of suction and intensity. Greater intensity of suction is helpful for conditions that are chronic and stubbornly painful.
How Long Does Cupping Treatment Last?
Cupping treatments generally last 5-15 minutes.
What Will I Feel During a Cupping Treatment?
Sensations felt during treatment are dispersing and unassumingly relaxing. Various levels of intensity can be experienced as the degree of suction is regulated. Some conditions require stronger amounts of vacuum which are initially uncomfortable but lessen later in treatment.
The most notable responses are visible cupping marks seen after treatment. These marks are broken blood vessels at the site of suction and are a normal response to treatment. Visible marks can be seen on the skin 5-20 days following a cupping session and are not painful.
How Many Cupping Treatments are Recommended?
Five cupping treatments is considered a baseline recommendation for optimal results but can be continued up to twenty treatments if necessary. Though acupuncture treatment can be received everyday, it is recommended that cupping is received once a week which allows for the body to recover between treatments.
What to Do After Cupping Treatment?
It is advised to keep the treated area loosely covered, out of wind or cold drafts, extreme temperatures (sauna or cold pools) and to avoid vigorous activity after receiving cupping therapy.
Is Cupping Used in Conjunction with Acupuncture?
Cupping is generally used in conjunction with acupuncture treatments. This enhances the results of both treatments.