What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping Therapy in Columbus, Ohio
The process of creating suction by placing special cups over the skin is called cupping. This therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine. The benefits of cupping are many; it is mostly performed to provide relief, reduce inflammation, and improves blood flow. It is a variant of deep tissue massage, as well. The specially designed cups used are made of silicone, glass, earthenware or bamboo.
Cupping therapy types
The practice of cupping, like acupuncture, dates back to ancient Chinese, Egyptian and Middle Eastern Cultures. The first mention of cupping is in the text Ebers Papyrus from 1550 B.C. There are two types of cupping: Wet and Dry.
In both types of cupping, the therapist at Acupuncture of Columbus, OH, places an inflammable solution like alcohol mixed with herbs or paper placed in a cups and sets it on fire. As the fire dies, the cup is placed inverted on the skin. This creates suction as the air contained within the cup cools. As a result, the skin covered in the cup rises and turns red as blood vessels dilate. Generally, the cup is placed over the skin for 3 minutes.
The modern twist on this ancient practice involves the use of rubber pump in the place of fire to create vacuum. Some therapists also prefer to use silicone cups which are easier to handle. Silicone cups are constantly moved along the skin to provide a massage effect.
Wet cupping creates a suction which is milder than dry suction. After 3 minutes, the cups are removed and small incisions on the skin are made. These light cuts ooze out a minimal quantity of blood during the consecutive second cupping session. The practice of wet cupping is believed to expel harmful toxins from blood.
Is cupping effective?
There have been many reports which scientifically support the benefits of cupping in relieving pain. Persistent pain associated with medical conditions like carpel tunnel, chronic neck pain and lumbar pain, is effectively treated with cupping. There is however, lack of the evidence for the healing properties of cupping. The process of cupping is the equivalent of sterile inflammation. The region which is raised from the vacuum created, mimics injury (given the gush of blood to the site). With it, an inflammatory response is triggered, deploying antibodies to the region in an attempt to heal.
Benefits of cupping
- Relief from pain: The most common reason to seek cupping is pain relief. Those who seek a safe and natural remedy to diminish joint aches and muscle soreness, have found relief through cupping. Cupping has shown promising results in reduction of lower back pain in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Cupping also offers deep tissue relaxation and eases stiff muscles. It can provide relief from rheumatism, neck pain, fatigue and migraine.
- Healthy skin: The use of cupping reduces herpes, inflammation, acne and cellulite. There are studies which have proved that cupping helps in weight loss and helps in making the skin firmer.
- Improved digestion: Cupping helps in relieving irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by reducing the stress response of a patient. As a result, digestion is improved.
Contact Us For More Information
For more information about how acupuncture, massage therapy and other alternative healing treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Clintonville (614) 725-2488 | Main St, Westerville (614) 426-4406 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.