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Patient Information Center... Additional Chinese Modalities
What is Cupping?
Cupping is a form of alternative pain
therapy which some saw recently for the first time
thanks to Gwyneth Paltrow. The mysterious circular marks on Paltrow’s back
turned out to be no mystery at all, just marks left behind that fade away
from a traditional Chinese therapy session involving cupping.
Cupping is an ancient Chinese method of causing local congestion. A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This draws up the underlying tissues. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place.
Cupping affects the body up, penetrating
the surface up to four inches into the tissues. This causes tissues to
release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, help
activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, activate the skin,
clear
stretch marks and improve varicose veins. As well, there are pathways on the
back that, when opened, allow invigorating energy to travel the whole length
of the body. It has been found that cupping is probably the best way of
opening those meridians. Therefore, Cupping provides a wonderful deep tissue
massage.
The skin is our largest organ, containing fluid, blood, blood vessels, connective tissue, muscle and rich in nerve supplies. By creating suction, cupping is used to drain excess fluids and toxins, loosen adhesions and lift connective tissue, and bring blood flow to stagnant muscles and skin. Cupping will improve blood and Qi flow in any ‘congested’ area of the body where it is used.
Common disorders treated by cupping therapy:
Abdominal pain
Anaemia
Asthma
Atrophy syndrome
Back pain
Common cold and influenza
Constipation
Cough
Hypertension
Muscular and joint pain
Skin complaints
Varicose and broken veins
