Chinese Medicine-Cupping therapy
Arrives In The West
Chinese cupping therapy is an age old tradition with many modern uses. Chinese practices like acupressure(tui na) and acupuncture are much more familiar to the Western world than Chinese Medicine Cupping, but it is a practice that is becoming more and more talked about as the capabilities of this age old tradition are better understood.
Cupping is applied to certain acupuncture points, as well as to regions of the painful muscle area or above an acupuncture point at the afflicted area. Sometimes a cup can be placed where an acupuncture needle has already been applied to the afflicted area of the body. It is performed by placing cups onto the skin by way of either heat or suction. Underlying skin and superficial muscle layer is then drawn under the cups when they are left on the skin for a few minutes (5-15 minutes) and blood stasis will form and this is when healing takes place. The cup is removed by pressing the skin along side it to allow some outside air to leak into it, thus equalizing the pressure and releasing it.
Benefits Of Cupping
cupping to be a completely safe The cup's suction pulls at the skin and is said to draw out Wind, Cold and Damp by opening the pores up and "suck out" the body's toxins from them. Therefore Cupping warms the qi and reduces swelling and improves the circulation in the body, making room for fresh, oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to replenish the tissues and accelerate the healing process.
This practice, when completed correctly, is actually capable of relieving a great deal of discomfort in your body that is caused by the congestion of fluids like mucus or blood in your body, the stiffness of stagnant energy, and can also reduce swelling. Studies are beginning to show that Chinese medicine cupping can be used to treat a variety of very different ailments, including dull aches and pains, arthritis, upper and lower back pain, swellings, edema, asthma, bronchitis, stomach ache, abdominal pain, indigestion, painful menstruation, headache, coughs from excessive mucus, and a lot more.
Cupping usually leaves a round red bruise behind. Bruising occurs in spots where congestion existed. Although bruises can take several days to go away, the temporary marks are a small price to pay for the relief the therapy provides. Sound uncomfortable? If done correctly, people suffering from either pain or congestion of the blood flow, energy often notice an immediate difference after treatment.
Contra-indications For Cupping
Chinese medicine cupping is not ideal for everyone, or for every situation. It should not be done on the back or abdomen of pregnant women, or on skin allergies or ulcerated sores. Anyone who is suffering from cramps, convulsions or a high fever should also avoid it. The best way to get the most out of cupping is to use it in conjunction with acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies. The best way to get the most out of cupping is to use it in conjunction with acupuncture, or acupressure (tui na) and Chinese herbal remedies.