Cupping Therapy
For more information on cupping, see this article.
Cupping is a way of increasing blood flow to problematic areas of the body. This is done by creating a partial vacuum to the skin, drawing up the underlaying tissue. When allowed to stay in a localised place, blood stasis develops and localised healing takes place.
Cupping has been found to affect the body as far as 4 inches into the body tissue causing
- Release of toxins
- Flushing the lymph system
- Clearing colon blockages
- Help clear veins, arteries and capillaries
- Rejuvenate the skin
- Improve stretch marks
- Improve cellulite
- Improve varicose veins
Cupping is a very safe technique and is a great option for a deep tissue massage as 5 minutes of Cupping is equivalent to 30 minutes of a deep tissue massage and has many benefits
- Stimulates whole body relaxation response (parasympathetic response) Stimulates oxygenation and detoxification of blood while promoting a feeling of lightness and relief of pressure
- Detoxifies metabolic debris in muscle tissue, fascia, and skin
- Increases range of motion, breaks up adhesions, and promotes healing in scar tissue and chronic injury sites
- 5 minutes of Cupping is equivalent to 30 minutes of a deep tissue massage
- Stretches muscle and connective tissues reducing joint pain, stiffness and arthritis
- Relieves inflammation
- Reduces the effects of stress, depression and anxiety
- Pulls blood supply to the skin, increases lymphatic drainage and promotes circulation
- Facilitates the movement of Qi (energy) and blood systemically and locally
- Breaks up and expels congestion
- Strengthens the immune system by promoting the flow of lymphatic fluid
- Cleans the blood and lymph and helps to balance PH levels
Many conditions can benefit from Massage Cupping Therapy.
The following are some of the most common conditions that benefit from this treatment:
- Muscle and Joint Pain, Spasms, Cramps, Tightness, Numbness
- Neck, Back, and Shoulder Stiffness and Pain
- High Blood Pressure, Insomnia, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Headaches, Migraines
- Post-surgery Adhesions and Scars, Post-injury Trauma
- Arthritis, Rheumatism
- Sciatica, Piriformis Syndrome, IT Band Pain, Rotator Cuff Injuries, Plantar Fasciitis
- Elimination Problems, Intestinal Disorders
- Bronchial Asthma and Congestion, Respiratory Infections
- Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Activates the Skin, Reduces Stretch Marks, Cellulite and Wrinkles
Cumulative Cupping treatments increase muscle endurance, circulation, lung capacity, lymphatic drainage and health maintenance during strenuous activities. Many professional athletes incorporate it into their training to enhance their overall performance, agility and ability to recover from their sports.
What are the Cupping marks?
Not all Cupping techniques create marks. Cupping marks are created from the release of inflammation, congestion, toxins and stagnation in the deep and superficial layers of the body’s tissues and skin layers. The process of lifting the tissue creates space for the healthy rush of new blood and oxygen flow to areas that were once compressed, tight and stagnate. The color of the marks fade over time.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a form of heat treatment, using the the herb called Mugwart, that stimulates specific areas of the body. It was believed to be founded in Mongolia to treat illness and degenerative disease due to the extreme cold climate.
It is used with cupping to help mobilise and stimulate blood flow to the area in need.
In China, traditional Chinese medicine today still use moxibustion on people who have colds and even use it to turn breached babies.
When used with cupping, moxibustion can be very effective to relieve back pain, muscle stiffness, headaches, migraines, arthritis, digestive disorders, anxiety, and female health problems such as menstrual cramps and irregular periods. Moxibustion also acts as an emmenagogue – an agent that increases blood to the pelvic region and uterus, stimulating menstruation.
For more information on cupping, see this article.