Cupping therapy
Cupping therapy is an ancient healing method that has been freeing bodies of pain and boosting spirits for hundreds of years. This method of alternative healing creates suction on one’s skin, which, in turn, draws the blood to or from different areas of one’s body. The suction effect removes toxins that promote blood circulation and kick-start the body’s natural healing processes in your cells.
Cupping therapy functions on the suction principle as it creates a vacuum, which draws fluid into the treated area. The strength of this suction can cause tiny blood vessels, also known as capillaries, to discolor and sometimes burst beneath your skin. If your skin discolors in response to cupping therapy, it might imply that the treatment is functioning.
The body sends in a fresh flow of blood to these cupped sections in a bid to improve blood circulation and repair tissues. Many people believe that increased blood flow may flush out toxins due to the increased flow, although this element is debatable. There are various ways in which cupping therapy is administered as each offers unique strategies and benefits.
Cupping therapy exists in the following different categories and methods of application:
Dry cupping
The traditional method
The therapist heats the inside of every cup to create a vacuum. Traditionally, a flaming alcohol-soaked cotton ball is placed in the cup, which burns off the oxygen, leaving a vacuum to be generated. The cup is then placed on your skin, generating suction by pulling your skin up into the cup.
Advanced Method
A modern technique puts mechanical cups that suck out the air, so never need fire to create cupping properly. This has been considered to be superior in the sense that you can adjust and give the level of suction for patient comfort and therapeutic needs.
Running Cupping
Gliding cupping, or running cupping: This is a form of dry cupping in which the cups are positioned after the application of skin lotion (or oil) to help provide enough massaging action. With the cup(s) held in position, one moves the cup over a painful or stiff area. By basically sandwiching your skin and muscle, it creates a suction-like effect that allows you to receive the same effects of deep tissue manual manipulation over an even larger area.
Bleeding Cupping
Wet cupping: TThis technique, also known as wet cupping, is done by making tiny incisions before placing the cups. These cups form suction which is used to take a little blood out of the body. Supporters of wet cupping claim that this process draws out harmful toxins and impurities, detoxifying the body and aiding in healing. This type of technique is often used for more extreme cases and is done by professionals.
Conditions of Cupping Therapy
One of the therapeutic uses is in treating various health issues especially those related to chronic pain and inflammation. Conditions that may be treated with cupping therapy
Arthritis
Pain Reduction, Joint Stiffness & Inflammation For arthritis sufferers cupping can reduce inflammation and ease joint stiffness as well in turn also alleviate pain. This enhanced blood flow at the injured joints helps in nourishing tissues as well as improves mobility.
However, this may lead to back, knee and shoulder pain.
Musculoskeletal pain
Cupping is great for musculoskeletal pain such as lower back aches, and knee and shoulder pain. This in turn helps to reduce pain and increase flexibility with these parts of your body using the use of cupping relaxation while enhancing blood circulation.
High Blood Pressure
One of the most popular uses in practitioners is cupping as a supportive treatment for hypertension. This therapy might be very effective in decreasing stress on the neurological system, and it will encourage far better blood circulation that can help lower general blood pressure levels.
What with through and After Cupping Therapy
The process of cupping therapy is not painful, yes the feeling is a bit tight because the skin will be sucked into cups. This is a positive thing- it means the therapy is doing something. You may be left with circle marks or bruises on your skin where the cups were placed following the session. These marks are usually painless and clear over a few days up to no greater than 1 week. Additionally, some will experience a bit of soreness or tender areas in the treated sites; however, it should not be too uncomfortable.
Cupping therapy has been proven effective in the vast majority of people as a safe treatment to offer pain relief and well-being. But this treatment has to be from a professional who will get better results.
