We don’t know much about the ancient world, but what we do know is that people were coming up with new and inventive ways to heal themselves. From poison cups to lead-filled gloves, many of these practices seem completely insane but just as many of them appear to have worked. Cup therapy, also known as cupping, is one such practice. Discovered in China and dating back almost 2,000 years, it involves placing glass or plastic cups on the skin to create a vacuum which works to pull blood towards the surface of the skin and accelerate healing. The practice has seen a resurgence in recent years thanks to celebrities like Justin Bieber and Jennifer Aniston speaking openly about their experiences with cupping. Today, we’ll take a look at how it works, some potential benefits of cupping therapy, and where you can find someone who offers this service if you’re interested in trying it yourself.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping is one of the oldest forms of alternative medicine in the world. The cups used in this therapy are generally made of glass or plastic, though some people also use bamboo cups. They are placed on the skin and allowed to create suction, drawing the underlying tissues into the cup. The suction is maintained for 5-20 minutes, after which the cups are removed and the skin is either left undisturbed or the marks left by the cups are wiped off. Cupping is thought to achieve its effects through a combination of mechanical, thermal, and biochemical means. Mechanical effects include the application of negative pressure that stretches the skin and underlying connective tissues, altering their biochemical and par biochemical state. This results in increased blood flow and lymphatic flow in the region and may lead to a wide array of health benefits.
How does cupping therapy work?
The cups are placed on the skin. They create a vacuum inside the cup, and as a result, the skin around is also sucked into the cup. While the cup remains on the skin, the vacuum is maintained by a heat source (candle, heat lamp, fireplace), or by the suction from a handheld pump. As a result of the vacuum inside the cup and the increased blood flow in the areas surrounding it, toxins are pulled from the body. The increased blood flow also helps to promote healing. After the cups are removed, the skin is left with reddish circles that gradually fade over the next 2-3 weeks.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
The health benefits of cupping therapy are rooted in the increased blood flow and the removal of toxins from the body through the skin. Increased blood flow and a better blood-to-lymph ratio can improve an individual’s mood and energy levels.
- Helps relieve muscle and joint pain – cupping has been used to treat muscle and joint pain, especially back pain and other pain in the neck and shoulders. Studies have shown that alternating between different types of massage and cupping can reduce pain more effectively than massage alone.
- Promotes detoxification – cupping therapy can draw toxins out of your body through the skin. A 2017 study found that the suction created by cupping therapy resulted in a significant increase of certain compounds (hemozine, uric acid and adenosine) related to the process of detoxification.
- Eases symptoms of anxiety and mood disorders – cupping may help ease anxiety and mood disorders such as depression by enhancing the flow of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine and GABA.
Where to Find a Cupping Therapist
There are many types of alternative medicine that people can use to help them feel better when they’re not feeling well. One of these techniques is called cupping therapy. If you’ve never heard of cupping therapy, that’s okay; it’s been around for a long time, and it might be the sort of thing you could benefit from if you’re looking to feel better and reduce stress.
Bradenton Acupuncture and Wellness is proud to provide cupping therapy treatments in Bradenton, Florida. The cupping therapy we offer is used to promote blood flow, detoxify the body, boost immunity and reduce muscle tension. This therapy is especially effective for reducing inflammation from injuries such as sprains, strains and arthritis. Our staff uses the best cupping therapy methods available, yielding great results for our patients.
Final words: Is cupping worth trying?
Cupping has been around for thousands of years, and although the process may seem bizarre, it does have scientific proof that it works. Be sure to consult with a doctor before you try cupping. Although cupping is generally safe when performed correctly, it is important to note that it can result in complications in some cases. Cupping is generally considered safe when performed by a trained practitioner, but it is important to note that cupping can cause discomfort and produce mild to moderate side effects such as swelling, mild burns, and bruises.
If you are looking for a profound experience in feeling better, feel free to call us at (941) 732-1533 to find out more about cupping therapy and how it can help relieve your pain.
