Cupping is an ancient healing treatment with modern applications. Throughout the centuries this traditional Chinese healing method has stood the test of time due to its clinical results in healing muscle and joint aches and pains, respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis and helping with digestive disorders.
So how does it work?
Cupping Therapy uses the suction of glass cups on the back and shoulders to:
Clear pores and release toxins
Activate acupuncture points
Move soft muscle tissue
Release Qi blockages
Relieve Pain
Remove fascia adhesions
Enhance whole-body blood circulation
Strengthen the immune system
Increase microcirculation
For a more detailed, in-depth description read below to find out more…
Activating Acupoints: there is a series of points along the back called the Back Shu Points that correspond to each vital organ system—when these points are activated by placing cups over them healing happens in the Lungs, Kidneys, Liver, Spleen, Heart, Gallbladder, Stomach and Pericardium. This helps breathing, circulation, detoxification, sleep, mood uplift, digestion and so much more!
Clearing Pores: opening and closing pores isn’t possible according to Western science but clearing them is, and it’s important—that’s why we take showers and saunas, exercise and get cupping—all of these activities clear the pores of built up toxins such as dirt, oil, bacteria, viruses and other impurities.
Move Soft Muscle Tissue: according to UC Davis department of Sports Medicine “range of motion will be influenced by the mobility of the soft tissues that surround the joint. These soft tissues include: muscles, ligaments, tendons, joint capsules, and skin.” Anyone who has had shoulder, back, neck or hip pain knows that joint flexibility and range of motion are essential to good health. Moving soft tissues increases flexibility and allows for greater ease of movement. That means joint pain goes away, yay!
Releasing Qi Blockages: when pain is felt in the body, there is a blockage of energy, whether it’s created by stiff muscle tissues, poor circulation, ligament disfunction or other issues, something is not working properly and allowing the body to function at its optimal level. Cupping moves blood, releasing that stuck energy and brings vital resources (blood, healing cells) to restore healthy function and a smooth flow of Qi.
Remove Fascia Adhesions: fascia is a tissue that acts as a sort of saran wrap around muscles, organs, joints, etc. When it bundles or gets inflamed, bundles can form called adhesions. Johns Hopkins medical institute relates fascia adhesions to muscle pain:“Fascia adhesions tend to feel better with movement and also respond well to heat therapy, which helps bring back the tissue's elasticity”
Enhance Whole Body Circulation: in Chinese Medicine 'blood is the mother of Qi’ and ‘Qi is the commander or mover of blood’ so simply put if you move one you move the other. While Qi and blood circulate through the body they move the energy, cells and fluids of the body, not just in the local area, but encourage blood circulation throughout the entire system. Good news, cupping moves both!
Strengthen the Immune System + Relieve Pain: the movement of soft tissues during cupping increases the release of endorphins (body's natural pain-killers), anti-inflammatory cells, immune cells and serotonin (mood enhancement).
Increased Micro-circulation: according to a study on the theory of aging in the medical journal Aging and Disease, microcirculation “describes blood flow through the capillaries in the circulatory system. The main functions of the microcirculation are the delivery of oxgen and nutrients and the removal of CO2, metabolic debris, and toxins.” Increasing the the rate of microcirculation is achieved with cupping therapy.
What does a treatment feel like?
After Organic coconut oil is applied to the back, cups are placed along the back and shoulders. You will feel a moderate to mild suction-like feeling at 6-8 areas of the back. Cups are placed and held at different areas and then moved to different locations, at times cups are moved gently up and down the back along the spine. The cupping sensation is often a new sensation and for most feels very relaxing. At times, sensation can range to mild discomfort but this is temporary and only lasts momentarily. At the end of treatment, you will feel warm in the areas that were activated and will have circular reddish, purple marks in the areas where cups were moved or placed. Patients often say they feel "looser, lighter and very relaxed."
It's important to take it easier the day you get cupping--no strenuous workouts, and to drink plenty of water to clear out those toxins.
Cupping marks can last up to a week, but often disappear after a day or two.
Cupping is not advised during pregnancy, anyone with an open wound or lesion on the skin and those on blood thinners.
If you still have questions, feel free to call us at 619-298-2228.