Under certain circumstances, the human body has a great capacity to heal itself. One method holistic health practitioners use to trigger those mechanisms is cupping therapy. If you are not familiar with this technique, these questions will help you learn the benefits of this treatment. 

Typical Cupping Therapy Questions

What is cupping?

Cupping is a form of ancient Chinese medicine that combines suction, decompression, and deep tissue massage. The technique maintains the body's balance of the different forms of qi that constitute life. Cupping therapy reduces pain, increases blood flow, and speeds muscle recovery after an injury or exercise. 

How does it work?

The practitioner uses different types of cups, such as silicone, glass, and bamboo, in various ways. Small cups pull areas of skin into a suction, decompressing muscles and connective tissue. The process acts like a backward deep tissue massage, encouraging blood flow and circulation to the area that needs healing.  

Sometimes practitioners will only use one or two cups. Other times, they’ll cover the entire back with cups. Stationary cupping only uses suction, and the cups stay in place about five to 10 minutes. When administering sliding cupping, the practitioner moves the cups over the area needing treatment. 

Which conditions respond to cupping?

Cupping therapy is a method of treating numerous conditions, particularly aches and pains. When combined with acupuncture, the therapy relieves symptoms of respiratory and digestive problems, and skin maladies.

Can everyone undergo this treatment? 

Certain individuals should avoid undergoing this treatment. Frail or thin-skinned individuals, patients taking blood thinners or who have an active cancer, blood disorder, or skin trauma should refrain from this treatment until they receive their medical doctor's approval. All patients should inform their practitioner about their health history and medication list before undergoing a treatment. 

If you want to try cupping therapy and other acupuncture treatments, schedule a session at Avicenna Acupuncture & Lymphedema Clinic in Wheat Ridge, CO. In business since 2009, this holistic health center offers a variety of services, including cupping therapy, and acupuncture for sports injuries. For more information, visit their website, and call (303) 803-0675 to schedule a session. 

_{These services are not a replacement for seeking professional help.}