Cupping is a type of therapy that many people take advantage of to alleviate all sorts of ailments and to remove toxins from the body. It is done for several reasons, such as to treat blood disorders, arthritis, fibromyalgia, infertility, eczema, hypertension, depression, migraines, varicose veins, and much more. Many people rely on cupping for their overall wellness program or combine it with other therapies, such as acupuncture.
How it Works
This alternative medicine and therapy is performed by placing cups on the skin. These cups, made by glass, earthenware, or even bamboo, create suction that mobilizes the blood flow. Dry cupping has suction only, and wet cupping has suction along with controlled bleeding. The vacuum for the suction is created by setting a fire inside the cup, and as the fire dissipates, the cup goes onto the skin. The cooling air in the cup gives the suction. This suction expands the blood vessels, and in wet cupping, a very small amount of blood is drawn out after making tiny skin incisions. The mobilization of blood flow encourages the healing of many medical conditions and ailments. Some professionals are skeptical of cupping, but the fact that it goes back to ancient cultures that have relied on this form of treatment shows some people that it does in fact have healing benefits.
Cupping and Acupuncture
Cupping, in conjunction with acupuncture can treat herpes, acne, cervical spondylosis, and many more conditions. It is found to be an effective mode of treatment for many people. Even though cupping works wonders for some individuals, cupping should be avoided if you are pregnant, have cancer, bone fractures, muscle aches or spasms, an ulcer, or deep vein thrombosis. Cupping also is similar to massage, such as with the skin pinching techniques on specific pressure points, and when the cups are moved on different points of the skin, this is very much like ancient practitioners of acupuncture used to break up the stagnation of the skin.
Of course, your acupuncturist and practitioner that perform the cupping will ask many questions and determine if cupping is safe for you. If you and your body are ready for cupping in addition to acupuncture, you will see the results you desire in treating your condition.