What is Cupping?
Cupping is an ancient Chinese method of therapy in which a particular vacuum is created in cups that are placed on the skin. The cups are placed using either vacuum suction or heat. When the cup is left on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place.
How Does Cupping Therapy Work?
The suction of the cups rapidly facilitates rigid soft tissue release by loosening and lifting connective tissue. This release of tissue breaks up and drains stagnation while increasing blood flow and lymph flow to the skin and muscle. The pulling action of the cups engages the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing for a deeper relaxation of the mind and body.
Research has shown that cupping can affect up to four inches deep into the tissue to activate the lymphatic system, clear stagnation within the tissue and release built-up toxins.
Side Effects Of Cupping Therapy:
- Sleepiness
- Great Sleep
- Vivid Dreams
- Euphoria
- Mild Insomnia
- Extra Energy
- Night Sweats
- Heightened Senses
- Intense Hunger
- Food Cravings
- Thirst
- Loss of Appetite
- Emotional Release
- Chills
- Increased warmth of the skin surface
- Increase bowel and bladder elimination
- Stronger body odor and detox
- Soreness
- Discoloration of skin
*However, side effects are short lived after treatment and are generally mild.
Explanation of the Marks or Discolorations That Sometimes Occur:
One of the common and unfortunate misconceptions of cupping is that is causes bruising. This is false! A bruise is caused by trauma, in which there is breakage of the capillaries. There is no compression in cupping therapy and therefor no bruise. The discoloration is more like a hickey. When conditions exist where sufficient pathologic factors and stagnant fluids are present, and a vacuum is applied to the area, a discoloration will appear on the skin as the stagnation is brought to the surface. This is the therapeutically desired effect. Healthy tissue will not discolor.
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