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. It can be performed in a variety of ways. Traditionally, it involves using glass or bamboo cups that are heated and then placed on the skin. The cups are heated by placing a flame inside or outside the cup, which creates a vacuum as the air inside the cup cools. The cups are then placed on the skin, creating suction and pulling the skin and underlying tissues upward.
Modern cupping therapy often uses plastic cups and a hand pump to create suction. The cups are placed on the skin, and the hand pump is used to create a vacuum, pulling the skin and underlying tissues upward.
Cupping therapy can be performed on various parts of the body, including the back, neck, shoulders, and legs. The cups are left in place for a few minutes, and the therapist 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 be used to 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 cupping therapy should be used as a complementary therapy and should 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 is generally not considered painful, but it can cause some discomfort. The suction created by the cups can cause a tight or pulling sensation on the skin, and some people may feel a slight pinch or pressure as the cups are placed on the skin. However, the discomfort is usually mild and temporary. After the cups are removed, it is common to have circular marks or bruising on the skin where the cups were placed. The marks may be more pronounced if the therapy is performed using the traditional method with 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.
