Introduction

What does your current day to day look like?

Are you busy balancing a social life, children, work, and every stressor in between? We commend anyone balancing their busy day to day, however, it’s easy to forget the importance of your own body’s wellbeing. If you are looking to integrate something new into your health and wellness routine that follows a more natural approach – then cupping therapy might be for you! While in recent years it’s gained popularity with athletes, it’s not actually new. Cupping dates back to Egyptian, Chinese and Middle Eastern cultures. With that long history, it has developed into what we know it as today – traditional, complementary and natural medicine. 

In this blog, we will outline exactly what cupping therapy is, how it works and the overall benefits you will see from cupping treatments. With that out of the way, let’s get started! 

What is cupping therapy?

Cupping therapy is an alternative medicine that consists of using special cups onto skin, to create suction. While the research varies, the benefits surrounding cupping can include inflammation reducing, pain relief, blood flow, relaxation and well-being enhancements. When suction is on the skin, it increases circulation of blood, lymph, qi and can temporarily increase metabolism to the area being cupped. The process introduces fresh blood and restores tissue function and hydration, which in turn provides many benefits to the body. Cupping is also a great alternative to acupuncture or massage.

Treatments & Benefits 

Cupping is used to treat acute or chronic conditions. The therapy provides many other benefits and can be used to promote digestion, release toxins, and is commonly applied at the acute stage of colds. Many other benefits of cupping therapy include:

• Tight muscle relief
• Promotion of circulation
• Clears congestion
• Relieves joint pressure & tension
• Moves lymphatic system
• Detoxifies skin & blood
• Realigns flow or qi energy

For best results, it’s ideal to have regular treatments to help restore your body’s health and prevent conditions from returning. The best part of all? This therapy is ideal for children and adults and the practice itself is relaxing and comforting. 

How does it work?

The actual process of cupping consists of two types: wet and dry cupping. In both types, a therapist will place herbs, alcohols, or paper within a cup and set it on fire. As the fire goes out, the cup goes onto the skin. The air that is cooling, becomes a vacuum, which causes your skin to redden and blood vessels to expand.  Typically, within your first session, you will receive 3-5 cups. Cupping therapy supporters also believe that wet cupping can remove harmful substances and toxins from the body, which in turn, promotes healing. Another more modern type of cupping is ‘needle cupping’. Which is when a therapist first inserts acupuncture needles and then puts cups over them.

Conclusion

Cupping therapy is a great option for anyone looking to promote healing and detoxification, and find the benefits through this practice.

At Rose City Wellness, our team provides a holistic approach to the health of you and your family. If you feel cupping therapy would be a good option for you, contact us to set up an appointment with our traditional chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner Logan Grundy, who has a passion for natural medicine that promotes healing and helping others thrive! 

Find more information about traditional chinese medicine here.