Originating thousands of years ago, cupping therapy is a unique form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that aims to relieve physical pain and other ailments without the need for medication. In this therapy, a qualified practitioner—such as a chiropractor—places specialized cups over areas of the body to create suction, either with heat or a vacuum. The resulting tension is believed to expand blood vessels beneath the skin, improve circulation, and support detoxification. If you’re curious about this natural therapy, here are a few details to know.  

5 Interesting Points to Know About Cupping Therapy

1. It’s Not Just for Athletes

In the past decade, cupping therapy rose in popularity as it was used for sports rehabilitation by Olympics participants and other athletes. However, this treatment can treat all types of people and potentially benefit a wide number of health concerns. Depending on a client’s needs, chiropractors can adjust the treatment to remove toxins from the blood, ease muscle tension, enhance metabolism, relieve digestive distress, and soothe stress.  

2. There Are “Dry” and “Wet” Methods

There are two main types of cupping therapy: dry and wet. Dry cupping therapy is the most common method, as it involves placing the cup over the skin in combination with heat or vacuum pressure. During wet cupping, however, the practitioner will make small incisions in the treatment area to better draw toxins out of the blood.  

3. It Doesn’t Hurt 

In addition to being a relatively safe natural treatment, cupping therapy should not create pain. During your session, you might feel a warm or tingling sensation in the treatment area. After treatment, red marks may occur as a result of increased blood flow and although they may resemble a bruise, they aren’t considered one. This discoloration indicates the amount of stagnation in your blood that was removed during treatment. These marks should fade within a few hours to a few days. 

4. Cups Can Be Moved or Stay in Place

In the “static” form of cupping, cups are left in place so that blood can flow to a concentrated area. This technique is used when symptoms only affect a specific area of the body. For greater physical relief, providers may practice “dynamic” cupping—when cups are glided over the body to manipulate tissues and provide a massage-like effect. 

5. It Can Be Combined With Other Therapies

As a form of holistic medicine, cupping therapy can easily be combined with many other natural and conventional treatments. For example, if you want enhanced benefits, you might ask your chiropractor to combine cupping with therapeutic massage or acupuncture.

If you’re ready to explore the ways that cupping therapy can enhance your overall wellness, Montvale Health Sport + Spine in Montvale, NJ, has the resources to help. Staffed by chiropractors, this Bergen County clinic offers a wide range of holistic pain management therapies, including cupping, physical therapy, therapeutic massage, and spinal decompression therapy. For more details on these services, visit this pain management center online. To schedule a session, call (201) 391-8282.