Cupping is a therapeutic method that has been used in China since around 1000 BC, or according to some researchers, as far back as 3000 BC. Now the Western world is taking notice of the health benefits available from cupping. Many notable athletes are turning to cupping to stay healthy and improve their performance naturally. For example, competitive swimmers often receive cupping regularly because they are constantly immersed in pools that are saturated with strong toxic chemicals. The cupping draws the toxins out of their bodies, thus leading to improved health and performance.
Many athletes such as Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Lady Gaga are publicly embracing cupping for the health benefits.
Cupping can be wet or dry depending on the practitioner’s technique. Dry cupping is the more popular option. Often with dry cupping the cups will be heated. Suction cups are placed in specific locations, often on the patient’s back. It draws pressure out, which is helpful for pain or stagnation.
In addition to helping the body rid itself of toxins, there are many other benefits of cupping. For example, cupping is a safe way to naturally reduce joint and muscle pain. Athletes will use cupping in the instance of painful injuries, joint pain, or stiffness. Researchers reviewed dozens of randomized clinical trials and published a systematic review which drew positive conclusions such as improved outcomes for cancer pain, lower back pain and pain associated with respiratory issues. The complete report can be found on the National Center for Biotechnology Information / National Institute of Health link here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3136528/
Cupping can help boost the immune system by moving blood and lymphatic fluid throughout the body, allowing the body to clean out the toxins. It is used for respiratory illnesses such as colds or flu because it can help clear away the phlegm and clear the lungs, dispelling stagnation.
Many people find cupping to be helpful with digestive issues, improving digestion and reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal diseases. “The negative pressure or suction caused by cupping therapy works to stimulate the organs inside it and raise the peristaltic or pulsating processes to move food along. The intestines secrete the appropriate digestive fluids and bile so that they can draw in the nutrients from the food and the fluids needed.” – Cuppingresource.com
Cupping can improve skin health, and may be used to improve herpes zoster, acne, facial paralysis and cervical spondylosis (also known as neck arthritis). A meta analysis of 6 studies indicated that cupping was effective and may be even more effective when combined with acupuncture.
Once a patient receives a cupping treatment, he or she may have circular marks on their body. This is completely normal and benign. The vacuum formed by cupping draws up the old stagnant blood and sticky fluids from the area and brings them up to the surface and away from the injured or diseased organ, to allow for oxygen, living cells and nutrients to reach the area. The appearance of the marks will depend on the level of stagnation in the area, ranging from bright red to dark purple. They may last from 3 days to a week. The marks do not indicate bruising or damage. They do indicate that toxins have been drawn away from the internal organs. The following link describes the cupping circles in detail: https://www.cuppingtherapy.org/pages/discolorations.htm
Check with your doctor first if you are pregnant or prone to bleeding disorders or are prone to extreme bruising. Avoid cupping if there is a skin infection or ulcer present.
Tai Chi Acupuncture & Wellness Center is a clinic located in North Reading, MA and Medford, MA. We are designed to bring affordable, effective acupuncture to the North Shore. The North Reading Center is located 7.8 miles from Andover, MA, 16.0 miles from Bedford, MA, 14.1 miles from Beverly, MA, 10.7 miles from Burlington, MA, 9.9 miles from Danvers, MA, 3.9 miles from Lynnfield, MA, 4.6 miles from Middleton, MA, 9.8 miles from North Andover, MA, 9.4 miles from Peabody, MA, 4.9 miles from Reading, MA, 6.0 miles from Wakefield, MA and 6.2 miles from Wilmington, MA.
The Medford, MA Center is located 2.6 miles from Arlington, MA, 14.9 miles from Bedford, MA, 5.1 miles from Belmont, MA, 5.9 miles from Boston, MA, 12.8 miles from Brookline, MA, 4.1 miles from Cambridge, MA, 4.3 miles from Everett, MA, 3.9 miles from Somerville, MA, 4.7 miles from Stoneham, MA, 7.8 miles from Waltham, MA and 2.9 miles from Winchester, MA.