What Is Cupping Therapy? How It Supports Acupuncture in Towson MD.
- Jean Donati
- May 20, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 10
Cupping is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapy that dates back to ancient Egyptian, Middle Eastern and Chinese cultures as far back as 300A.D. TCM philosophy believes that pain results from the blockage of Qi, blood, or energy. You have all heard me say in relationship to acupuncture: “Where there’s stagnation, there is pain. Where there is free flow there is no pain.”
Cupping therapy in Towson MD, like acupuncture is a method of clearing this blockage to restore the body’s natural flow of energy. This is beneficial for health promotion, prophylaxis, and treatment of disorders such as back pain, knee pain, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraines, as well as high blood pressure.
Recent research show that cupping therapy helps to:
Reduce muscle pain
Improve blood circulation, promote cell repair and increase muscle relaxation
Assist the lymphatic system to drain excess fluids and toxins
Cupping is often used for musculoskeletal concerns such as chronic low back pain, neck pain, shoulder tension, muscle soreness, and fibromyalgia. In addition, digestive symptoms such as bloating, gastric reflux and constipation conditions can be eased with cupping. Overall recovery from cough, asthma and the common cold can be improved with cupping as well as acupuncture.
In a cupping session, inverted cups made of bamboo, glass, silicone or plastic are applied to the acupuncture points on the body to create suction. The suction of the cups pulls the skin upward as the suction increases. The suction opens up energy pathways in a similar way to acupuncture and is often used in conjunction with acupuncture to clear the energy channels and remove toxins from the body that are responsible for pain and disease. It has been used effectively for pain relief, increasing blood flow, chronic inflammation, enhanced relaxation, and improved quality of life.
Cupping marks are temporary discolorations caused by suction drawing blood flow to the surface. In Chinese Medicine, the color and pattern of the marks may reflect areas of stagnation, tension, or reduced circulation. The marks tend to fade within days to a week.
In the next article I will discuss the different types of cupping, coloration of cupping marks and their meanings. Stay Tuned!
Sources
Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16554-cupping
Author: Jean Donati PA-C, M.Ac, L.Ac.
Jean Donati is a Nationally Certified Physician Assistant, Licensed Acupuncturist and owner of Jean Donati Acupuncture. She specializes in Traditional Five Element Acupuncture, and Facial Rejuvenation for physical, mental and emotional concerns.
To schedule acupuncture care in Towson, MD, call Jean Donati Acupuncture at 410-984-3700 or request an appointment here:
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