Cupping therapy is an alternative form of medicine where a fine needle is placed on the skin using heated, small cups. The process mainly takes place in Asia but also at present in Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Cupping is known as a pseudo-science and its use as quackery. There have been claims that cupping can improve the body clock and resets the circadian rhythm, decrease pain, cure certain illnesses and diseases and even offer certain medical benefits. However, these claims are yet to be verified scientifically.
One of the many health benefits attributed to cupping therapy is the reduction or elimination of pain and soreness. According to some studies, it has also been proven that the warm suction experienced during cupping can actually trigger the release of certain natural pain relievers such as endorphins, serotonin and prostaglandins. Endorphins are said to be the “happy chemicals” found within us. They are said to be responsible for our natural pain relief. Endorphins are the body’s natural mood enhancers and make us feel good. Recent studies showed that cupping therapy can release the pain-relieving chemicals b substance and serotonin, thus offering a painless and relaxing experience for the patient.
It is also widely used as a complementary form of medicine. Its practice helps to balance and stimulate the five major chakras. A healthy chakra is said to have a positive effect on the body’s overall health and is responsible for the proper functioning of the endocrine system. Other health benefits of cupping therapy include improved circulatory system, enhanced immunity, enhanced lymphatic system, improved skin, enhanced digestive system, enhanced respiratory system, enhanced reproductive system, improves circadian channels, and a relaxed mind and body.
To improve circadian channels, a person can undergo wet cupping therapy. In this type of therapy, the individual lies on his or her back with his or her hands cupped over the head. The therapist then applies pressure to specific areas of the body using the fingertips in a slow, steady motion. The person then feels a tingling sensation as the pressure is applied and afterwards, feels a slight tightness in the area.
Another type of myofascial release therapy is called shiatsu. In this form of medicine, a person’s body is massaged from the inside of the upper thighs to the buttocks. By doing this, pressure is applied to a particular point on the buttocks known as the Tatus. The pressure is then released along the meridians that run through the buttocks to the rest of the body.
Another healing technique used in traditional Chinese medicine is called Qigong. This is similar to the traditional Chinese technique of acupuncture, only it uses acupressure on pressure points on the body. Unlike acupuncture, it doesn’t use pressure, but rather, uses the force of moving energy to break through blockages and restore balance in the body. Because it has no needles, it is less painful than cupping therapy, which also does not involve needles.
Traditional Chinese medicine also makes use of herbs for healing. Specifically, they make use of different herbs to treat different problems. A Qigong master will often recommend mixing together herbs to treat various ailments. The combination of herbs and the Qigong master’s manipulation during treatment is used to maintain the balance and harmony of the body’s circadian flow, along with fighting off the pain.
Like most types of alternative medicine, cupping therapy can be done either in a massage spa or in your own home. It can be done without the use of a therapist, or you can have one to give you a massage. If you decide to get a massage, make sure you go to a place that is reputable and where the massage therapist is fully trained and able to perform the treatment. With cupping therapy, as with many types of alternative and complementary therapies, it is best to ask for referrals from your medical doctor before starting any type of alternative or complementary therapy, especially if you have a history of negative health or pressure point therapy in your family.