The Chinese have been using complementary and alternative forms of medicine for thousands of years to treat various ailments.
Cupping is one such treatment, and it follows a philosophy similar to acupuncture that’s aimed at restoring the body’s balance and energy.
Cupping is a therapy offered at Better Chiropractic in Gilbert, Arizona, to improve health and function. If you’re curious about cupping or would like treatment, call the office today or book an appointment with the Better Chiropractic team through the online agent
What is Cupping?
Cupping is a form of traditional Chinese medicine aimed at restoring blocked energy.
In traditional Chinese medicine, it’s believed that pain and illness are caused by the disruption in the flow of energy. The mechanism of cupping reestablishes the flow to create balance, which in turn, improves health and lessens pain.
What Does Cupping Treat?
Cupping is used to treat a number of illnesses and complaints, including:
- Headaches and pain
- Indigestion and lack of appetite
- Congestion
- Joint pain and arthritis
Most people who come into Better Chiropractic use cupping to relieve muscle pain and tenderness, and improve range of motion.
How Does Cupping Work?
Cupping works by creating negative pressure, or a vacuum, on the skin where the cup is placed, which stimulates blood flow.
Dr. Bates, or a trained staff member at Better Chiropractic, places the special cupping glass on the area of skin that needs treatment to create the suction. This suction pulls the skin into the cup, which causes the skin to turn red, generate heat, and increase blood flow. The cups are left in place for 5 to 10 minutes, and sometimes longer if needed.
How Does Cupping Improve Health?
Cupping improves health by stimulating your cells to repair and regenerate. It also relieves pain by reducing muscle tension in the treated area.
The cupping mechanism also activates heme oxygenase, which is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of heme, a component of your blood. The breakdown of heme releases antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to the area being treated. It’s also been theorized that these beneficial properties are released throughout the rest of your body.
The cupping glass can be used on a number of different areas on the body to relieve pain and illness, including:
- Neck or back
- Sides of the neck or behind the ear
- Knees, thighs, or ankles
- Back of head, chin, or ears
You may notice a red circle in the area where the cupping glass was placed. This is normal and goes away after a few weeks.
If you’re looking for a safe alternative treatment for your pain or illness, call Better Chiropractic today or use the online booking agent to schedule a cupping session with one of our specialists at Better Chiropractic.
