More Australians are turning away from commercial medicines as their side effects often harm their overall health. Not only are these medications becoming more costly, but the chemicals used to create them can affect mood, gut health and anxiety.
People who move away from commercial treatments are turning to holistic practices such as the acupuncture Brighton locals are turning to. In addition to acupuncture, other treatments such as cupping are becoming more popular as go-to treatment options. What is cupping and what does it treat? This post takes a closer look at this popular concept.
Chinese Cupping Defined
Essentially, Chinese cupping is an ancient physical therapy performed to promote the body’s own healing process. To do this, special suction cups are applied to the skin which encourage the flow of Qi, blood, and other bodily fluids to the affected area.
During the cupping process, the practitioner will create a vacuum inside a glass cup, which is then gently placed on the skin. Typically the vacuum is created using a flash of flame. The vacuum then draws the skin gently upwards which then allows increased circulation to the area.
These cups are generally kept in place for at least 15 minutes and are moved from one area to another. While cupping can be performed on any part of the body, practitioners usually apply it to the abdomen or back.
Many Advantages to Look Forward to
Despite being an ancient Chinese medicine, the benefits of cupping are enjoyed by a wide range of people around the world. And it’s not only regular folk who sing this therapy’s praises. Olympian Michael Phelps, and actors Gweneth Paltrow and Jennifer Anniston are only a few celebs who enjoy the benefits of this highly sought-after treatment. Here are a few reasons why.
1. Increased Circulation
One of the most significant benefits of cupping is that it increases blood circulation to the specific areas where the cups are placed. An increase in blood circulation supplies the body’s muscles with oxygen and fresh blood. Besides this, the additional blood flow relieves muscle tension, promotes cell repair and has also been known to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
2. Reduces Anxiety
During the cupping treatment, the practitioner will glide the cups across your skin. When this happens, the parasympathetic nervous system is engaged. Typically, your parasympathetic nervous system needs to slow your heart rate, increase intestinal and gland activity and assist in digestion. So, when this system is engaged, you instantly feel relaxed. Combined with acupuncture, cupping can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety.
3. Can Clear Chest Congestion
Chest congestion is typically the build-up of phlegm and fluid in your lungs, and it is typically caused by a cold, flu, bronchitis, and even asthma. During cupping, the suction from the cups breaks up and expels congestion. This in turn moves oxygen-rich blood toward your lungs and other respiratory muscles.
For this treatment, the suction cups are placed on the back or chest. They can be left in place or gently moved upward to facilitate the movement of the lymph fluid. You can also opt for a facial cupping session to help unblock sinuses. This is especially effective for people who suffer from chronic asthma or sinusitis.
4. Encourages Tissues to Release Toxins
A hectic, modern lifestyle can easily overload your body with harmful toxins. While it’s true that the liver is primarily responsible for removing these toxins, this hard-working organ can sometimes struggle to keep up with your dietary choices. Fortunately, cupping gives your body a much-needed boost in getting these toxins released.
5. Reduces Scars and Stretch Marks
When cupping increases your blood flow, it not only enables your body to get rid of toxins but also restores lymphatic circulation. This can aid the removal of edema (excess fluid) which in some cases can reduce the appearance of certain types of scarring.
Patients who regularly use the cupping treatment have reported positive effects on scars and stretch marks. Surprisingly, some patients have even reported seeing results in areas nowhere near where the cups were placed.
6. Can Improve Spider and Varicose Veins
When the valves inside the veins in your legs don’t effectively push blood from the leg muscle back to the heart, the blood can congest. This causes the veins to twist and eventually bulge, causing what’s commonly referred to as varicose veins.
Since cupping improves blood flow, oxygen is brought back to the affected areas. While it will usually take several treatments to see a significant difference, your varicose veins will already appear much lighter after your first session.
7. Aids Digestion and Clears Colon Blockages
Cupping increases the blood flow to your abdomen, which includes the digestive tract. This will go a long way toward aiding digestion by encouraging food to move through your digestive tract. It also helps to clear colon blockages and relieve indigestion.
Final Thoughts
With so many benefits to consider, it’s easy to see why so many people not only opt for this treatment but also recommend it to others. Since you can do cupping as a stand-alone therapy, or incorporate it with a massage or acupuncture session, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t add it to your next holistic treatment. Once you experience these wonderful benefits, you’ll be left wishing you’d opted for it sooner!
