In the medical field over the last few decades, there was a gradual awakening in which people began to turn to natural and alternative treatments over allopathic medicine and invasive procedures. This was due to the realization that a lot of these natural therapies are just as effective and come with no unpleasant side effects compared to the conventional forms of treatment.
Cupping therapy is one such treatment that has grabbed the attention of people in Western societies. While it is relatively still a novel form of treatment in the United States, cupping therapy has been used for thousands of years and was widely practiced in the Middle East, Egypt, and China and for hundreds of years in some Eastern European societies.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is a mode of treatment in which the practitioner or therapist uses certain types of cups, heats them and applies them to specific treatment sites on the body, usually muscular regions like the legs, arms, abdomen, and back. The cups are made of silicone, plastic, or glass.
Cupping therapy can be administered in various ways. One approach is called fire cupping or dry cupping. In this method, the practitioner/therapist soaks a cotton ball in alcohol or some other inflammable substances. The cotton ball is then lit with fire and used to heat the cups. Sometimes, the cups are heated by immersing them in hot oil or water.
Once they reach the desired heat, the cups are immediately placed on the skin of the patient. This causes the skin to rise into the cup completely sealing the cup off. The heat generates a suctioning effect that causes the muscles and skin to develop a small puff. The cups are left on the skin in this position for some minutes before they are carefully removed.
In the moving cupping method, the cups are not held in a single position but instead are moved carefully across the site of treatment. First, before the cups are applied, the practitioner/therapist applies cream or oil on the skin. The areas that are treated become red. This is caused by the suction and the subsequent dilation of the blood vessels.
In another cupping method known as the wet cupping method, the practitioner/therapist creates tiny incisions on the skin of the patient before applying the cups on the skin. The suction effect of the cups is designed to extract small amounts of blood from the body. A third method that combines acupuncture treatment along with cupping is probably the most potent of all the different types of cupping methods. It entails the sticking of tiny needles into the skin before the cup is applied on the skin.
As a way to heal the body, cupping therapy works at the deep tissue level. It is used to:
• Enhance performance by stimulating the flow of qi or vital energy all throughout the body
• Strengthen the function of the immune system helping the body fight allergies, colds, and the flu
• Boost the flow of blood and thus encourages healing
• Relieve inflammation
• Relax the body by alleviating knotted and tensed muscles
• Eliminate toxins that have built up in the tissues
Reducing Pain through Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy is used for treatment of various types of conditions. However, it is most effective when used to relieve pain. Because of this, several athletes use it to help them heal quickly and get fast relief.
It is used for the following ailments:
1. Toothaches – You should know that cupping can significantly relieve severe toothaches.
2. Menstrual Cramping – This is good news for women who have to cope with severe menstrual cramps during their period. Cupping therapy can be a safer and more effective alternative treatment than pain killers.
3. Pain associated with respiratory conditions
4. Pain due to arthritis and rheumatism – People suffering from arthritis-induced pain or rheumatism can use cupping therapy as a long-term remedy.
5. Muscle and joint pain – Cupping lessens the severity of muscle and joint pains; hence, you can find relief from muscle stiffness, neck pain, back aches, and injuries.
6. Tension headaches and migraines
As a type of alternative remedy cupping therapy can do so much for the health of your body. It can help you lose weight, boost your blood circulation, combats stress and anxiety, relieves stiffness and pain and promotes digestion. The process only becomes more effective when it’s combined with acupuncture.