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Acupuncture and cupping therapy have been used for thousands of years to provide pain management and relief, among many other health benefits. If you’re interested in holistic therapies over prescriptions and surgeries for pain, take a moment to learn about both options here. Each offers specific advantages, although you could also partake in both. 

Acupuncture

A traditional Chinese medicine practice, acupuncture involves placing tiny needles at various places on the body to restore the flow of qi, otherwise known as life force. According to Chinese philosophy, when this aspect of your body is blocked, you are more likely to feel unwell and experience illness. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and do not hurt, but have been used to ease chronic neck, head, knee, and back pain, as well as hypertension, insomnia, and depression. 

Cupping

cupping therapy

This practice also has roots in Chinese medicine. It uses special wet or dry cups to bring congested blood to the skin’s surface and break it up. Both wet and dry cupping techniques rely on cups made of earthenware, bamboo, silicone, or glass. However, wet cupping involves making small incisions in the skin to remove congested blood. 

Taoists believe cupping therapy rebalances the yin and yang, or negative and positive forces, in the body to reduce pain, increase blood flow, encourage cell repair, and help new connective tissues and blood vessels form. Cupping therapy has shown to improve a variety of health conditions, including lumbar disc herniation, shingles, and facial paralysis. 

Therapies in Tandem 

Both therapies restore bodily balances to promote better health and can be used together. Tandem therapies involve inserting acupuncture needles, then placing cups over them. Studies show that combined treatments provide greater pain reduction than one therapy alone, particularly for muscle aches and spasms, migraines, constipation, acne, and chest congestion. 

 

Schedule acupuncture and cupping therapy sessions at Avicenna Acupuncture & Lymphedema Clinic. Since 2009, the wellness center has provided residents throughout the Denver Metro area of Colorado with Chinese medicine-based services that encourage bodily health. While these offerings do not replace professional medical help, this team remains committed to providing pain-free treatments in a welcoming environment. Call (303) 803-0675 today to make an appointment, or visit the website for more about their holistic therapies.

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