Cupping is an ancient remedy that is used in present day to treat a variety of conditions including: musculoskeletal pain, asthma, bronchitis, common cold, scar tissue and digestive conditions to name a few. It is thousands of years old and has been used by many cultures such as the Egyptians, Arabs, Greeks, Hindus, and Chinese. During the warring periods, this was an effective therapy to treat many conditions when medicine wasn’t readily available. Today, cupping is still effective in treating the above conditions without the use of drugs. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies for overall treatment.
The process of cupping involves placing glass cups on the skin after swabbing the inside with a flame, creating suction to the skin. Alternative methods of cupping are done with plastic cups that use a pump to create the suction. Personally, I haven’t found this form to be as effective because the seal is not as tight on the skin. As a result, the natural healing response doesn’t occur because of little stimulation to the vessels.
Once there is a strong stimulation to the skin and vessels using cupping, there will be an effusion of fluids from the vessel that will result in bruising of the skin. The bruising activates the immune system to bring about a cascade of physiological events that will restore the proper balance of the body. Physiologically, cupping improves circulation to the affected area, regenerates blood, decreases inflammation, and eliminates toxins and foreign substances from the body. Most people respond to cupping by stating that it feels better than a massage; the effects are longer lasting than a massage. Cupping relaxes the body and mind due to the increased blood flow and dilation of blood vessels. A patient commented on feeling relaxed and happy again after a cupping treatment.
It has been my experience that people will bruise less with subsequent cupping treatments. I believe this is due to improved circulation as well as regeneration of blood. It’s also a result of the detoxification process, removing pathogenic factors that cause discomfort and disharmony in the body.
Even though cupping is highly therapeutic, it is not recommended for everyone. Please consult with your licensed practitioner to see if you are a candidate. For more information, or a complimentary 15 minute consult call 480-254-6920.