Cupping is a type of treatment useful in easing backaches, headaches, neck pain, and other problems. The treatment has its roots in Middle Eastern and traditional Chinese medicine. It involves creating a suction force to pull blood into the skin.

Cupping can ease the symptoms of:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Shoulder pain, back pain, neck pain, and knee pain

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Migraines and headaches

• Breathing problems such as asthma

What Do You Expect From the Practitioner?

The practitioner will ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing and note if it is your first visit. When they place cups on your skin using suction or heat, you will feel some pressure and a sucking sensation. The style of cupping chosen will determine the amount of time the practitioner will give you to relax before returning to move the cups.

What Is the Treatment Like?

Cupping uses cups to create suction on your skin and produce numerous pain relief benefits. Scientific research studies in 2018 reveal that this practice increases blood circulation in the areas targeted by the cups. What the treatment is like depends on what kind of cupping therapy you will receive:

• Dry Cupping 

The practitioner will often heat an alcohol-based-soaked cotton ball in cups. They place the cups on the back, chest, buttocks, or legs to expel oxygen from the cup, leading to the formation of a vacuum. The vacuum sucks the skin into the cup.

• Wet Cupping

The method is almost like dry cupping, with the only difference being the wet conditions. The practitioner punctures your skin to help release toxins from your body, either before or after placing the cups. They then draw out stagnant blood from the small incisions with the suction cup.

• Running Cupping

This method involves moving the cups all over the body after applying oil to the targeted area. In running cupping, there is the application of the oil before the use of the cup. The cups are then moved around, creating a massage-like effect.

• Flash Cupping

This method involves quick, repeated suctions and release of the cups on an area of the body. During this procedure, the cups quickly suction and release the targeted area.

How Does the Suction Work?

Paper is placed directly into the cup or heated with fire using alcohol. The hot cup is placed on your skin with the open side facing up after removing the fire source. The cup's air condenses as it cools, forming a vacuum that pulls the skin and muscles into the cup. Your skin turns red as your blood vessels respond to changes in pressure. 

How Long Will These Sessions Last?

Dry cupping, wet cupping, and flash cupping procedures usually last between five and 10 minutes. Running cupping would last for 10 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the kind of service you are receiving.

For more information call Goldberg Wellness & Acupuncture Center at (561) 624-5070 our office in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.