Cupping: Alternative treatment for pain
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping is an ancient Chinese method of causing local congestion. A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This draws up the underlying tissues. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place.
Cupping therapy has been further developed as a means to open the ‘Meridians’ of the body. Meridians are the conduits in the body through which energy flows to every part of the body and through every organ and tissue. There are five meridians on the back that, when opened, allow invigorating energy to travel the whole length of the body. It has been found that cupping is probably the best way of opening those meridians.
Cupping has also been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, activate the skin, clear stretch marks and improve varicose veins. Cupping is the best deep tissue massage available. Cupping, the technique, is very useful and very safe and can be easily learned and incorporated into your family health practices.
Now plastic cups based on the traditional cups by applying the traditional cupping therapy together with the magnetic therapy. The new cups have done away with the traditional firing. This has made the application of the cups more easily and safely. It has a good penetrating effect and a big drawing strength. It has not only improved efficacy but also simplified the procedures of cupping therapy.
The improved plastic cups for ancient Chinese cupping therapy are now available for supply. They are easier to be handled and safer to be used for self-treatment at home. In China, the new cups are very popular for family cupping treatment. Source
Cupping is an excellent and effective alternative to surgical or invasive treatment or treatment with pharmeceutcals for:
- Body pain including but not limited to knee pain, elbow pain, back and neck pain, pain in the legs, low back pain, hand pain.
- Acute pain such as sprains and strains
- Edema and swellings
- Asthma and bronchitis
- Dull aches and pains, arthritis
- Abdominal pain, stomachache and indigestion,
- Headache and lowback pain,
- Painful menstruation and associated pain in the low back.
- Coughs from excessive mucus
- Places where bodily movement is limited and painful.
To see how this method of treatment can relieve your pain see the video on Cupping, a Chinese medicine self help technique
What to expect after receiving Cupping or Gua Sha
Cupping and Gua Sha can be immediately relieving to your pain and discomfort and I am glad that you are feeling better! To assist you in making sure you have the best experience possible, please follow these directions for aftercare.
Cupping can cause some swelling and bruising on the skin. As the skin is pulled into the cup, the blood vessels at the surface of the skin expand which may result in small, circular bruises on the areas where the cups were applied. These bruises are usually painless, however, and disappear within a few days of treatment.
After your cupping or Gua Sha session, please pay attention to the following:
- Even if you are aware of the color and marks on the skin and are happy to have them because it removed so much of your pain, remember that your family and friends may not feel the same way. Explain the procedure to them and let them know you are not in pain or damaged.
- Most of the discoloration will fade in 2-3 days. If sooner it means your circulation is good. If some areas take longer to clear it may indicate a lack of circulation to that area of the body.
- Avoid exposure to the sun and wind for a minimum of 24 hours and optimally until the discoloration is faded. It is best to keep the area covered.
- Occasionally the skin will feel tender with an increased feeling of warmth and range of motion.
- If you received cupping or Gua Sha for muscular pain, take it easy even if you feel a lot better. This area may still be weak and unstable, take it slowly.
- Keep track of how you feel in the next few days. Does your pain return in 4 days, 2 days or not at all? Is it as intense as before? If it is episodic, are the episodes as frequent? Are you able to do more before tiring? Are you doing too much too soon?
- Avoid cold and sour foods and fluids; this can cause constriction which can make the pain worse. Sour is the flavor of the Liver, which owns the nerves. Sour flavors stimulate the Liver so you may feel more pain as well as become more jumpy.
If you have any questions or problems, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
