What is Cupping?
Chances are that if you've had a treatment with me at Durango Acupuncture Clinic, you're familiar with the warm massage-like suction sensation of cupping. I use a technique known in Chinese Medicine as fire cupping, where fire is introduced into a glass cup to create a vacuum which is then suctioned to oiled skin. The cups are then moved along the meridian or myofascial pathways to increase circulation. Don't worry, I rarely produce anything close to the large bruises you see on the Olympians as I use a very gentle technique.
Why all the cool kids are cupping
There's nothing new about cupping, in fact this simple and effective healing technique has been a major part of Chinese medicine since 1000 B.C.
The tell tale marks of cupping have been made trendy by Hollywood stars for years and have recently been brought into the lime light by its popularity among nearly half of the U.S.A Olympic swim team.
There's a reason why cupping is gaining in popularity, because it works!
Why you should too
You don't have to sport a speedo to reap the benefits of cupping (though that would be entertaining). If you suffer from muscle pain, respiratory, digestive, skin or stress issues, basically, if you are alive...Cupping can help.
Benefits of Cupping
1. Reduces Pain: Clinical trials and people with six pack abs agree that cupping is thought to release tissues deep inside the body, relax tense muscles and ease stiffness associated with chronic back and neck pains, migraines, rheumatism, and fatigue. Some athletes have been known to use cupping therapy to naturally improve performance and reduce stiffness, muscle cramps, joint pains and scar tissue caused by injuries.
2. Promotes Relaxation: By lifting away pressure from tight muscles and sedating the central nervous system, cupping decreases, anxiety, stress and depression.
3. Boosts Skin Health: That's right, cupping can reduce cellulite, acne, skin inflammation and even herpes by increasing blood flow and expanding capillaries.
4. Improves digestion: IBS, gastritis, gastrointestinal diseases and water retention can all be benefited by the circulation improving powers of cupping.
5. Treats respiratory infections: By moving blood and lymphatic fluid, cupping has been shown to speed healing time for colds and flus and clear away phlegm and congestion. It's even one of the worlds oldest treatments for tuberculosis!
6. Speed healing after surgeries: Medical doctors are beginning to prescribe cupping to their mastectomy patients prior to surgery to accelerate tissue formation and nerve regeneration.
I include cupping in all Acupuncture treatments when necessary and offer it as a separate treatment with Asian massage for $40 for 30 minutes. Call or Schedule yourself online to reserve your space today!