What is cupping therapy?
Used in a medical setting at South Pointe Chiropractic, we explain cupping therapy to our patients as a form of myofascial decompression or release. If you can imagine the different layers of tissue in your body that are present from your outer skin all the way down to the bone, these individual layers should be able to glide along one another without any restrictions or tension.
This restriction free movement of the layers is what should be happening if your bodies tissue is functioning properly, but this is not always the case.
Sometimes these different layers can become “stuck”, in bad cases even forming adhesions. The sticking of these layers of skin causes a dysfunction in the mobility of tissues, muscular pains, eventually causing abnormal stresses where the soft tissue is attached, which causes disruption in your bodies natural movement – a decrease in mobility.
This is where cupping therapy comes into play.
When cupping is utilized correctly, the cups act on the layers of tissue and decompress them. This causes any points that were “stuck” to move freely again. The decompression of these layers in the tissue also creates the potential for your bodies natural global healing responses, through influencing fluid and neurological responses.
At our clinic we practice dry cupping only, we do not utilize wet cupping therapy.
What are the benefits of cupping?
The effectiveness of cupping was first realized through its use in ancient Chinese medicine. This initial belief revolved around stagnation, known as “blockage of qi” which was responsible for the root cause of pain. Although ancient in practice, this is not too far off of the true benefits that cupping provides.
Cupping has been shown to aide in patients recovery with respiratory conditions through stimulation of the lungs. A few other benefits of cupping therapy that are common include detoxifying the blood, relieving muscle spasms, and supporting digestive health. Many cupping patients also claim that this treatment has been crucial in reducing the intensity of acne and other skin conditions.
Beyond the specific benefits of cupping, most patients find that it brings them a restorative fully body experience after treatment – which is very helpful for relieving sore muscles and acute areas of pain. It is very common for cupping therapy patients to seek out this treatment for pain in the neck and shoulders, which is all too common today with the increased time spend on electronic devices.
1. Reduce anxiety
One of the neurological effects of cupping is the ease of anxiety. The physical sensation of the cup gliding across the skin engages you’re parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to give your body a feeling of deep relaxation. The parasympathetic nervous system is known to aide in digestion and slowing your heart rate.
2. Increase circulation
Static massage cupping is a method that has shown to be very effective in increasing circulation and overall flow of fluids throughout the body. When the cups are left on a patient in a single position, the section on the layers of skin and tissue provokes the body to increase fluid flow in the area. This additional blood flow does wonders for relieving muscle tension and promoting your bodies natural cell repair cycles. Another awesome circulation benefit is the reduction in stubborn cellulite that can be attributed to cupping therapy.
3. Release toxins
Static massage cupping is a method that has shown to be very effective in increasing circulation and overall flow of fluids throughout the body. When the cups are left on a patient in a single position, the section on the layers of skin and tissue provokes the body to increase fluid flow in the area. This additional blood flow does wonders for relieving muscle tension and promoting your bodies natural cell repair cycles. Another awesome circulation benefit is the reduction in stubborn cellulite that can be attributed to cupping therapy.
4. Clear congestion and help treat asthma
Static massage cupping is a method that has shown to be very effective in increasing circulation and overall flow of fluids throughout the body. When the cups are left on a patient in a single position, the section on the layers of skin and tissue provokes the body to increase fluid flow in the area. This additional blood flow does wonders for relieving muscle tension and promoting your bodies natural cell repair cycles. Another awesome circulation benefit is the reduction in stubborn cellulite that can be attributed to cupping therapy.
5. Reduce stretch marks and scars
Many people have trouble getting rid of scars and stretch marks, fortunately cupping may be a valuable tool in the healing process. This effect is due to the increased blood flow, excretion of bodily toxins, and improved lymphatic circulation. All of these factors combined aide in the reduction of edema, which is excess fluid that contributes to the appearance of scarring.
In clinical research, cupping therapy has shown to reduce scars and stretch marks that are not near the area of the body that the cupping therapy was administered.
6. Improve spider and varicose veins
Vericose vains are a result of the valves inside of the vein not working properly, which results in the blood from your muscles not being pushed back twords your heart effectively. This causes the blood to become trapped in the vain resulting in twisting and bulging. Varicose veins are most common on the legs and feet.
The fluid effects of cupping aide in improving blood circulation to the effected areas. Patients often find that their varicose veins appear lighter after just the first cupping therapy session, although it may take multiple treatments over time to to produce lasting results.
7. Aide in digestion
As mentioned before, the parasympathetic nervous system is engaged when undergoing treatment, and one of the effects is to deliver the digestive tract increased blood flow. Using dry cupping gently over the abdomen area has been shown to aide the digestive organs through stimulation, also aiding in peristalsis, which is the process of your digestive breaking down food. This also helps relieve indigestion by clearing colon blockages, and encouraging blood and bodily fluid to move throughout your organs.
