Cupping Therapy, What is it and how can it help

Cupping seems to be one of the newest trends for athletes and celebrities who use it to help treat their bodies numerous ailments, whether it to help recover from injuries, to fight off colds, increase breathing capacity or for general wellness to keep the body functioning at its best. However, Cupping therapy has been around for thousands of years. Believed to originated in China in ancient times, however a vast array of other cultures all over the world perform some form of cupping for health reasons. Cupping involves using suction over often tight areas of the body, this causes what is known as a “Myofascial Release”. Cupping is very effective at reducing tight painful areas of the body using this concept, which brings circulation in the area and helps to break up adhesions and tight knots in the muscle tissue. Cupping also increases cell repair in the area as well as breaking up tension.

At Ironbound Acupuncture cupping is done in classical style where glass cups are warmed up and then applied to muscle to create the suction. Some forms of cupping use plastic cups and a “ air pump”, however this form of cupping, from experience, is not as effective and often leaves dark black marks on the skin from the plastic, while with warm glass cupping the patient usually feels great and relaxed while receiving the treatment, with usually only leaving some small pink markings on the tightest areas treated.

Cupping therapy not only feels great, it is also scientifically proven to be effective for several issues. In a 2012 scientific review of studies, it was shown effective for lumbar strain, lumbar herniated discs, for neck and cervical pain and it was even shown effective for issues such as bells palsy, cough, asthma and shingles. (Cao, 2012) Furthermore, Dr. David Dias, often uses cupping at the end of an acupuncture treatment to help bring down any remaining areas of discomfort, helping most patients leave with little to no pain and feeling much more relaxed, as a body has less tension the mind will follow, and vice versa. If you are interested in finding out more reach out to Ironbound Acupuncture and Wellness, by phone is 973-368-4327, or email directly to Dr.Dias@IronboundAcu.com, look forward to hearing from you.