Cupping therapy is considered a specific healing skill in China, and it is passed down from generation to generation. Ancient texts show that cupping was initially used by Taoist herbalists to treat ailing royalty.
Cupping healers have been known to treat a variety of symptoms and illnesses that couldn’t be cured by traditional medicine, including pulmonary tuberculosis, muscle and back pain, colds, and pinched nerves. Cupping also has been used for patients with anemia, arthritis, mental illness, and fertility issues.
Some doctors have started implementing cupping into their patients’ treatments to alleviate symptoms of congestion, pain, and chronic infections from a natural approach. Cupping therapy is believed to remove toxins and heavy metals from the body, ultimately improving overall immunity.
Does Cupping Therapy Really Work?
One report reviewed 135 studies on cupping therapies published between 1992 and 2010 (1). These researchers concluded that cupping is beneficial in treating various digestive, skin, hormonal and inflammatory diseases.
Cupping therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions safely:
- Respiratory infections
- Blood disorders (anemia, hemophilia)
- Joint pain due to arthritis and fibromyalgia
- Migraines
- Muscle pain
- Fertility disorders
- Skin problems (acne, eczema)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Mental disorders, anxiety, depression
- Asthma, allergies
- Cellulite, varicose veins
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy is often administered in conjunction with massage and essential oils, as well as with traditional medicine. It works by expanding the capillaries and increasing fluid amounts traveling through tissues. Cupping therapy also provokes a relaxation response in some people, so it lowers stress and its effects on the body. It has worked for millions of people over the span of many years.
Helps Reduce Pain
One common reason people turn to alternative treatment methods is that they want a safe form of relief for joint and muscle pain. Research has shown that cupping therapy significantly reduced low back pain, helped relieve pain from respiratory issues and had a positive outcome in treating cancer pain. (2)
Cupping is believed to release deep tissue, relax tense muscles, and ease stiffness often associated with chronic pain, rheumatism, migraines, and fatigue. Athletes have used cupping therapy to naturally improve performance and reduce cramps, pain, and scar tissue.
Boosts Skin Health
Cupping often reduces skin inflammation, cellulite, and acne. It tones and firms skin by improving blood flow and expanding capillaries. Before treatment, oil lubricates the skin, then during treatment it brings heat to the area.
Treats Respiratory Issues and Colds
Cupping promotes a boost immune function by moving blood and lymphatic fluid throughout the body. This boost can reduce allergies, infections, and asthma.
Improves Digestion
For digestive issues, healers perform cupping in the following areas: over the bladder, the navel, the stomach, and around the kidneys.
People with frequent stomach pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, water retention, and gastrointestinal diseases often find relief with cupping therapy.
Is Cupping Therapy Safe?
Cupping might be somewhat daunting to someone who is new to the practice, but rest assured that cupping therapy isn’t painful. During a cupping session, you might feel some heat and tightness around the cup, but many find this relaxing.
Most medical practitioners consider cupping therapy quite safe. Keep in mind that it’s not uncommon for skin discoloration to develop after cupping, which can last a few days to a couple of weeks.
Cupping Therapy is a natural approach to wellness. It is a fabulous alternative for those who are searching for an alternative to medications with a list of dangerous side effects. If you would like more information about the benefits of cupping therapy, please contact our experienced staff at Illuminari.
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