One of the oldest forms of medicine, cupping, has been used for thousands of years in Asian countries. Nowadays, you may see celebrities and athletes with round marks going down their backs. These are surely the result of cupping therapy. Although many patients report feeling better after cupping therapy, some people may not understand how cupping works.
Join us today as we go over how cupping therapy works and the benefits of cupping.
What is Cupping Therapy
For thousands of years, cupping therapy has used flames to heat a horn or glass cup, this heat creates a negative pressure in the cup, and once placed upon the skin, the soft tissue is pulled into the cup. Although some still use flames when performing cupping therapy, many now opt for plastic or silicone cups with a suction pump. This makes it easier for the practitioner to get the same amount of pressure on every cup, though some still prefer the traditional method, which provides a similar result.
How does it Work?
The skin, fascia, connective tissue, and muscle can become stuck and reduce the range of motion. Think of it as though you were wearing a sweater. If it’s too small and tight, it can restrict mobility, and if you force it, you can damage or tear the shirt. The cups use negative pressure to pull the soft tissue under the skin. This improves blood flow to the area being treated. The new blood flow brings fresh oxygenated blood full of nutrients. The added blood flow promoted healing and quicker repair of the damaged tissue. Alternatively, you may also receive a cupping massage, and this is where the cups are slid around the areas being treated. These results are more akin to a deep tissue massage, except a cup is used instead over the area of pain or concern.
When visiting SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach, CA., you’ll be evaluated by the therapist to see the extent of damage to the injury. If, during the evaluation, it is discovered that there is shooting pain or an issue directly involving the spine, Cupping may not be the correct method to aid recovery.
What do the Marks Mean
The common concern about cupping therapy is the round marks left behind after treatment. Many people see people on TV with round marks and wrongfully assume they are bruises. These aren’t bruises and are more like hickies caused by the suction. This can give the misconception that cupping therapy is painful. On the contrary, many patients find cupping relaxing and satisfying when cups are released.
Not all the marks are the same; some are darker, while others are lighter. The scars left behind on the cups are more than just the result of cupping therapy. They can help you learn how you’re progressing and how long it takes to recover fully. The darker the mark, the longer for it to fade away. This also means more attention will be needed in that area. These marks often take about a week to fade. Lighter marks disappear entirely after a couple of days and tend to signify that that area is working correctly.
What does Cupping Help with?
While most people look at cupping therapy to help with muscle pain in their back, cupping therapy has been used to help with a variety of conditions, such as:
- Fevers
- Poor Appetite
- Nasal Congestion
- Cramping
- Leg Pain
- Joint Pain
- Headaches
- Mental Health
For many conditions, cupping can help by increasing blood circulation. Nonetheless, you need to be able to clear out stagnation and toxins for the body to recover naturally. While cupping has shown beneficial effects on the physical health of a patient, due to the relaxing nature of cupping, it can help people with their mental health. By improving sleep quality, the body can physically and mentally recover better, alleviating stress and anxiety.
Conclusion
Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine
Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can contact us and ask about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health.
Located in Long Beach, CA, we help individuals from the surrounding cities.
We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.
