Looking for a natural way to relieve tight, sore muscles? If So, Glenridding Physio can help you get back to 100%. With our cupping therapy, you can improve your mobility, reduce inflammation, and get that much-needed relief.
WHAT IS CUPPING THERAPY AND HOW IT IS PERFORMED?
Cupping therapy is a form of alternative therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. The suction created by the cups can help stimulate blood flow, loosen muscles, and promote healing. One can perform cupping therapy in a variety of ways. Typically, practitioners heat glass or bamboo cups and then place them on the skin. Placing a flame inside or outside the cup heats the cups, creating a vacuum as the air inside cools. Then, placing the cups on the skin creates suction, pulling the skin and underlying tissues upward.
Modern cupping therapy often uses plastic cups and a hand pump to create suction. The cups placed on the skin as the hand pump creates a vacuum, pulling the skin and underlying tissues upward.
Therapists can perform cupping therapy on various parts of the body, including the back, neck, shoulders, and legs. They leave the cups in place for a few minutes and may move them around to target different areas. It is generally safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. However, it can cause temporary bruising, soreness, or skin irritation. It is important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before trying cupping therapy, particularly if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.
WHAT CONDITION CAN CUPPING TREAT?
Cupping therapy can treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Musculoskeletal pain: Cupping therapy can help relieve pain and tension in the muscles, joints, and connective tissues. It is often used to treat back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and muscle strains.
- Respiratory conditions: Cupping therapy can help treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and the common cold. The suction created by the cups can help loosen mucus and improve breathing.
- Digestive issues: Cupping therapy can help improve digestion and relieve symptoms of digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation.
- Skin problems: Cupping therapy can be used to treat skin problems such as eczema, acne, and herpes. The suction created by the cups can help improve blood flow to the affected area and promote healing.
- Anxiety and stress: Cupping therapy can help relieve anxiety and stress by promoting relaxation and reducing tension in the muscles.
It is important to note that you should use cupping therapy as a complementary therapy and not replace conventional medical treatments. It is important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before trying cupping therapy, particularly if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.
IS CUPPING THERAPY PAINFUL?
Cupping therapy does not generally cause pain, but it can be uncomfortable for some people. When the cups create a tight or pulling sensation on the skin, some individuals may feel a slight pinch or pressure when applying them. However, the discomfort is usually mild and temporary. After removing the cups, the skin may commonly show circular marks or bruising where the cups were placed. The marks may appear more pronounced if the therapy involves the traditional method using heated glass or bamboo cups, but they typically fade within a few days to a week.
It is important to communicate with your cupping therapist at Glenridding Physio about your comfort level during the therapy. They can adjust the suction level or the placement of the cups to minimize any discomfort.
