Alternative medicines and therapies are available for many health issues, be they minor or major. Many of them have proven to be effective and therefore sought after for treatment. One natural therapy that you may not be as familiar with as some of the more popular therapies such as acupuncture, is cupping.
Cupping is an ancient practice that has started to receive increased popularity due to athletes and celebrities sporting the marks of cupping on their skin. Cupping therapy involves the use of cups that are placed directly on the skin. The cups can be made of glass, bamboo, earthenware, or silicone. They are heated to create a suction on the skin.
This natural treatment is used to improve the flow of energy in your body, easing you of any ill health you might be feeling. It is used to balance the ‘yin and yang’, or the positive and negative energies in the body. By restoring the balance of energy, it promotes better immunity to fight off diseases, relaxation, pain relief, and improved well-being.
There are two types of cupping therapy – wet and dry. Dry cupping involves the use of cups heated by creating fire using alcohol, herbs, or paper. Wet cupping involves drawing a small amount of blood after the suction.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy has many benefits, one of which is in increasing blood circulation in the body. This is a wonderful benefit because the flow of blood and healthy circulation is how the body mostly ‘heals itself’.
The cups are often placed on the back, which is where you may see your favorite sports player sporting the marks, as the cups help to increase the blood flow to those areas. This helps to heal injuries and muscle pain. Plus, better blood circulation helps to remove unwanted toxins from your body.
Cupping has shown to be beneficial in treating many health problems such as facial paralysis, cervical spondylosis, coughs, shingles, and lumbar disc herniation. It is also used to treat arthritis, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, migraine, anxiety and depression, allergies, and asthma.
The reason cupping therapy can help with your emotional health and relieve anxiety and depression symptoms is that the cups impact your parasympathetic nervous system, which releases tension and promotes relaxation.
Another great benefit that cupping provides, and this affects your total health and well-being, is how it improves your digestive health and bowel health. The placement of the cups on the stomach area allows the blood to flow better to your vital organs which promotes health and healing to those parts of the body. If your digestive health is in balance, you feel good all over!
Does Cupping Therapy Have Any Side Effects?
If you are considering cupping therapy, this is a very normal question to ask. You may certainly experience a few side effects either during the cupping treatment or after the procedure. One of the most common side effects is the circular marks left on your body by the glasses. These may fade several days later or may take two to three weeks before they are completely gone. This depends on your own skin type. You may be a quick healer compared to someone else.
Some people may also experience nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or sweating. Other side effects may include swelling, burns, bruising, and scarring.
If you are under the care of a medical health professional and have a medical condition, it is best to seek their advice first or if you are not sure, avoid using cupping therapy until you know if it is considered safe for you. This applies to pregnant women and children especially.
As with any treatment you have never tried before, it is wise to seek professional guidance. Also, not all cupping therapists have professional training or knowledge, so choose a provider that does. Choose a clinic where the therapists show their certifications.
If you decide to try cupping therapy, enthusiasts will tell you it is beneficial for those who are seeking an alternative therapy that can promote better health and well-being, relaxation and pain relief. However, be aware that it is known for a few side effects as well as the healing power it provides.
