- Allergies / Sinus / Cold / Flu / Diet & Nutrition / Depression / Anxiety
- Immune Disorders / Weight Loss & Management / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Poor Circulation / Stroke / Bell’s palsy
- Infertility and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Insomnia and Stress
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Diease
NEEDLES and CUPPING
Cupping refers to an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced by suctioning out air, so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup.
In that practice, the skin is pinched at specific points until redness is generated. Cupping is applied by acupuncturists to certain acupuncture points, as well as to regions of the body that are affected by pain (where the pain is deeper than the tissues to be pulled). A certain amount of bruising is expected both from cupping, especially at the site of the cup rim. However, this skin redness or bruising will disappear usually within a week.
In some cases, a small amount of blood letting is done first; using a pricking needle, and then the cup is applied over the site. This technique is said to promote blood circulation, remove stasis, and alleviate swelling and pain. It is employed especially when there is a toxic heat syndrome and for a variety of acute ailments
Conditions Which Can Benefit From Cupping
Conditions that can benefit from cupping include headache, back pain, joint and muscular pain, rheumatic diseases, hypertension, breast enhancement, bed wetting, common colds and flu, insomnia, fever, constipation and diarrhea, chest pain, asthma and blood disorders.
Precautions and Contraindications
Always take sensible precautions when using cupping or be sure that the therapist you seek cupping treatment from follows these precautions.
- Sterilization
- Use suitable cups for the area being treated.
- Take extra care with children and the elderly.
- Do not apply strong cupping to the face.
- Do not treat pregnant women.
- Do not use cupping on inflamed or cut skin.
- Do not treat people with a serious heart disease.