Intro to Cupping Therapy
By Taylor is a twhealthhumor .com co-blogger and massage therapist:
https://unionwellness.ca/taylor-norris%2c-rmt.html
The unique idea behind cupping is using the simple act of strategically placed suction via the cups in order to achieve a broad range of health benefits such as; removing fascial restrictions, affecting deeper tissues and increasing range of motion.
Cupping treatment is an ancient technique that originated in China (called horn therapy) where holes were placed in the ends of animal horns. The practitioner would place the horns on to the areas of the client’s body needing treatment and suck the air out of the horn to gain the desired level of suction. While horns are rarely used these days, having been replaced by alternative materials like bamboo, earthenware, ceramic, brass, glass or plastic, the principle remains the same.
Today practitioners in the west generally use either plastic cups with a hand pump to mechanically remove air, or glass cups with an alcohol soaked cotton ball on a stick lit on fire placed inside a glass cup briefly to burn up the oxygen in order to create the suction needed. The cups remain in place for 10 seconds to 30 minutes depending on the treatment needed, or with a lubricant applied they can be dragged along the skin for massage cupping treatment.
Cupping can help treat a number of health conditions related to; the fascial system, muscles, scars and adhesions, chronic inflammation, the spine and joints, lungs, the digestive, nervous and circulatory systems. Some precautions need to be considered prior to treatment, cupping should not be used in cases of; a high fever, muscle cramps/spasms, swelling/edema, open/healing wounds, unknown rashes and skin allergies.
Massage Therapists, Acupuncturists and Physio Therapists are a few of the regulated healthcare providers that are more likely to have training in cupping techniques. It is also considered to be an appropriate home care treatment for those who find it to be beneficial, but will at times require some help (i.e. family member or friend) to reach more difficult areas of the body. Ask your healthcare professional if cupping is right for you, and start enjoying its wonderful effects!
NWHealthFitness 