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Cupping vs. Gua Sha
These techniques have very similar effects. Cupping works through suction, while gua sha uses pressure. Depending on your specific need, one or both methods may be used. Interested in gua sha?
Cupping Therapy
Cupping may be used to treat a variety of conditions, reduce inflammation, promote wellness and more.
Cupping is an integrative therapy that uses therapeutic cups to release muscle tissue and fascia (connective tissue), develop new blood flow, and encourage the body to release anti-inflammatory chemicals into the blood and muscles.
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This noninvasive treatment (also known as myofascial decompression), dates back thousands of years and is still used widely today in hospitals, the military and professional sports. Cupping therapy is a type of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which focuses on the concept of qi (pronounced “chee”). As part of the holistic system of TCM, qi factors in physical, mental and emotional well-being, and the relationships between them. TCM includes other integrative treatments, such as massage therapy and gua sha.
How cupping therapy works
When the therapeutic cups are applied to the skin, the suction that is created stretches the underlying tissue, dilating blood vessels and increasing blood and lymphatic flow. This can bring more oxygen and nutrients to muscles and other tissues in the area, flush out waste products in your body and maintain a healthy fluid balance. This integrative therapy is applied to specific points on the body, as well as regions of the body affected by pain.
Traditional vs. modern methods
- Traditional (fire cupping): These techniques use a flame to briefly heat the interior of a cup. As it cools, a vacuum is created and can be applied to the skin to produce a suctioning effect.
- Modern: Performed by our acupuncturists, these techniques use a pump alongside specially designed cups with valves to create the same effect that was traditionally achieved through a flame. This is safer and allows for better control of the suction.
Benefits of cupping therapy
Research shows that cupping therapy can help in several ways, including:
- Reduced pain
- Increased joint mobility and range of motion
- Reduce muscle tightness
- Increase circulation
- Sports injury recovery and performance enhancement
- Cosmetic purposes
- Treatment for other conditions
It can also reduce inflammation, promote relaxation and balance the immune system.
FAQs about cupping therapy at Henry Ford Health
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Why Should I Choose Henry Ford Health for Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy should be delivered by a properly trained and credentialed provider. At Henry Ford Health, it’s administered by our nationally board-certified acupuncturists, who are licensed with the State of Michigan. Your cupping treatments will also be a part of your medical record, so that all members of your care team have access to your medical history.
Advanced training
Acupuncturists are highly trained medical professionals who must obtain at least a clinical master’s degree, pass national board examinations and become licensed by the state. Like physicians, nurses and other clinicians, they must maintain their licensure and board credentials with continuing education.
Henry Ford Health acupuncturists exceed these requirements. Our team members have added training and certifications, such as oncology, sports medicine, addiction and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Our team also includes some of the state’s only acupuncturists with doctoral degrees, including the DAOM (Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine), the most advanced degree available. -
What Conditions Can Cupping Treat?
Some of the many conditions cupping therapy can treat include:
Pain
· Back, hip, neck, shoulder, knee
· Headaches, migraines
· Carpal tunnel syndrome
· Plantar fasciitis
· Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
· Tendonitis
· Temporomandibular (TMJ) painSports and athletics
· Sports injuries and rehabilitation
· Workout recovery
· Performance enhancementDigestive system disorders
· Constipation, diarrhea
· Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
· Ulcerative colitisPrevention and wellness
· Immune support
· Stress reduction
· Sleep quality
· Mental and emotional well-beingOther conditions and benefits
· Insomnia
· Restless leg syndrome
· Asthma
· Stroke rehabilitation
· Hypertension
· Cosmetic purposes -
Am I Eligible to Get Cupping Therapy?
Coordinating with other treatments
If you’re receiving other therapies such as chiropractic care, massage therapy or physical therapy, cupping therapy may be used with these to enhance the benefits.
Medications
Cupping will not interfere with any medications you’re taking. In fact, in some cases, such as for pain management, it is used to help reduce your reliance on them.
Cupping therapy restrictions
Cupping is generally safe for most people. However, there are some situations where cupping therapy should not be applied or done so with caution.
Cupping therapy should not be administered if you have:
• Cancer
• A pacemaker or defibrillator
• A bleeding or clotting disorder such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease
• Blood clots
• An undiagnosed skin condition, lumps or other irregularities
• Active flare-up of a skin condition
• Thin or sensitive skin
• Open wounds, sores, burns or poor skin condition
• Organ failure
Cupping therapy may be administered in the following situations, but only with caution and after consultation with your physician:
• Pregnancy
• During menstruation
• While taking blood thinners
• Anemia
• Neuropathy
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Less than two months after a blood donation -
How Do I Prepare for a Cupping Visit?
- Dress in loose, comfortable clothing. If you have sleeves or pant legs, they should be able to be rolled up or removed, if needed.
- Have a light snack or meal beforehand. Please avoid heavy ones, as it can make it difficult to relax during your session.
- Avoid caffeine before and shortly after treatments. It can potentially reduce the effectiveness of cupping therapy.
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What Can I Expect During a Cupping Visit?
Personalized treatment
At your first appointment, your acupuncturist will review your medical history, discuss your goals and answer any questions you may have. Based on this consultation, a personalized treatment will be recommended.
Cupping therapy length and frequency
Cupping treatments will last up to 30 minutes. Treatment times and frequency can vary depending on your specific condition, needs and goals.
Treatment
During treatment, the therapeutic cups may be applied to various areas of your body. The size, number and locations depend on your symptoms and the method your acupuncturist chooses to apply:
• Stationary: The cup remains in the same location.
• Sliding (or running): We move the cup while retaining suction. This is done with the aid of a lubricant, typically an oil. -
Does Cupping Therapy Hurt?When administered by a properly trained acupuncturist, cupping therapy is very well tolerated.
You may experience local pressure, tightness or a sensation of warmth. These are normal and not painful. This is similar to what you may feel after exercising or a day of working in the yard. After treatment, you may experience some temporary soreness or tenderness. -
Is Bruising After Treatment Normal?You may also notice redness or bruising at the cupping sites. These are normal and will gradually disappear over the course of 1-2 weeks. It is important to keep these areas clean, dry and covered. It is also recommended to drink water after your treatment.
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