Cupping Therapy
It's not just for Olympic athletes
Cupping is one of the oldest methods of traditional Chinese medicine.
How does cupping work? What does it treat?
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on our skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.
The vacuum created by the lack of oxygen anchors the cup to the skin and pulls it upward on the inside of the cup.
Drawing up the skin is believed to open up the skin’s pores, which helps to stimulate the flow of blood, balances and realigns the flow of qi, breaks up obstructions, and creates an avenue for toxins to be drawn out of the body.
n China, cupping is used primarily to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and congestion; arthritis; gastrointestinal disorders; and certain types of pain. Some practitioners also use cupping to treat depression and reduce swelling. Fleshy sites on the body, such as the back and stomach (and, to a lesser extent, the arms and legs), are the preferred sites for treatment.
More Info:
http://www.nccaom.org/science-of-cupping/
Source: Acupuncture Today
