All you need to know about Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is a type of alternative therapy which started in China. It involves placing cups on the surface of the skin to create suction. The suction facilitates healing with blood flow, as well as the flow of “qi” in the body. Qi is a Chinese word meaning life force.
Cupping therapy increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This relieve muscle tension, also improve overall blood flow to promote cell repair. Cupping therapy can also help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue. People often uses cupping to complement their care for a host of ailments and conditions.
Perviously Cupping was originally performed using animal horns. Later run the “cups” were made from bamboo and also ceramic. This suction was primarily made through the use of heat. The cups were originally heated with fire and then pressed to the skin. As they cooled, the cups drew the skin inside.
New cupping method is often performed using glass cups that are rounded like balls and open on one end.
Two main categories of cupping performed tday are.
* dry cupping, which is a suction-only method
* wet cupping, which may involve both suction and controlled medicinal bleeding.
The practitioner should determine the method best for you.
Treatment:
What you should expect during a cupping treatment.
When performing a cupping treatment, a cup is placed on the skin and then heated or suctioned onto the skin. The cup is often heated with fire using alcohol, herbs that are placed directly into the cup. The fire source is removed and the heated cup is placed with the open side directly onto your skin.
During this period, the hot cup is placed on your skin, the air inside the cup cools and creates a vacuum that sucks the skin and muscle upward into the cup. Your skin colour may turn red as the blood vessels respond to the change in pressure.
* With dry cupping, the cup is set in place for a set time, usually between 5 and 10 minutes. With wet cupping, cups are usually only in place for a few minutes before the practitioner removes the cup and makes a small incision to draw blood.
When the cups are removed, the practitioner will cover the previously cupped areas with ointment and bandages. This will help prevent infection. Any bruising or other marks usually go away within 10 days of the session.
Cupping therapy is usually performed along with acupuncture treatments. For best results, fast or eat only light meals for 2 to 3 hours before your cupping session.
Conditions:
What health conditions can cupping treat?
Cupping therapy has been used to treat wide range of conditions. It may be particularly effective at easing conditions that create muscle aches and pains. Since the cups can also be applied to major acupressure points, the practice is possibly effective at treating digestive issues, skin issues, and other conditions commonly treated with acupressure.
Researchers found that cupping therapy may help with the following conditions, among others:
* cervical spondylosis
* lumbar disc herniation
* cough and dyspnea
* herpes zoster
* acne
* facial paralysis
Are their any side effects?
Their are less side effects associated with cupping. The side effects you may experience will usually occur during your treatment or immediately after your treatment.
Side effects: You may feel lightheaded or dizzy during your treatment. You may also experience sweating or nausea.
After the treatment, the skin around the rim of the cup may become irritated and bruised in a circular pattern. You may also have pain at incision sites or feel lightheaded or dizzy shortly after your session.
Note that Infection is always a risk after undergoing cupping therapy. The risk is small and is usually avoided if your practitioner follows the right methods for cleaning your skin and controlling infection before and after your session.
Other risks might include:
hematoma (bruising)
scarring of the skin
Your practitioner should wear good apron, disposable gloves, and goggles or other eye protection. They should also use clean equipment and be vaccinated to ensure protection against certain diseases, like hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cutting equipments should be properly sterilized.
Remember Cupping therapy is not suitable for everyone. Do not use cupping therapy if you are:
menstruating
elderly
pregnant
a child
Note, you may not benefit from cupping therapy if you have internal organ disorders please take not.
How to Preparing for your cupping appointment
Cupping therapy is a long-practiced treatment that may help ease the symptoms of both temporary and chronic health conditions.
Their are some things to consider before beginning cupping therapy:
Which conditions does the cupping practitioner specialize in treating?
What method of cupping does the practitioner use?
Is the facility clean? Does the practitioner implement safety measurements?
Does the practitioner have any certifications?
What condition that may benefit from cupping?
Please before beginning any alternative therapy, always remember to let your doctor know that you’re planning to engage it into your treatment plan.
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