Freedom From Pain With Cupping

"Walking the Labs," John Cox

What is cupping?
Cupping is a suction technique designed to pull toxin build-up and muscle-spasm from the body's deep tissue to the surface of the skin.  It can shorten the healing process by weeks, even months, in a way that acupuncture, massage, and other forms of treatment cannot.

Physical pain implies poor circulation through a particular area.  When toxins and metabolic waste stagnate in the muscles or joints, it can be very difficult for the body to get rid of the waste, causing further stagnation and discomfort.

By using cupping, we are able to pull the toxins and waste out of the deeper tissues and move it to the skin's surface.  This is what causes the circular marks on the skin.  Once at the surface, it is much easier for the body to eliminate the toxins and waste via the capillary system.

In only ten minutes of cupping, not only can we pull toxin build up out of specific areas, but we can also pull the fresh, new blood into those areas.  This will promote healing and restore proper blood flow.

Why choose cupping?
Cupping is therapeutic and diagnostic.  It tells us three basic things:

First, cupping tells us the kind of problem we are dealing with.  If the cup colors, that means we are dealing with toxin/waste buildup or muscle spasms.  If there is no color, this indicates nerve or bone issues.

Second, cupping tells us exactly where the problem is.  The area where the skin colors indicates a painful area from muscle spasm or metabolic waste build-up.  Practitioners will usually cup an area slightly larger than the painful area to ensure that it is completely covered.  

Third, cupping will tell us the severity of the problem.  Light or moderate stagnation in the deep tissues will cause the skin to color pink or red and may take a day or two for the color to go away.  Severe stagnation causes the skin to color a deep scarlet, purple, or even black.  It may take seven to ten days for the dark color to disperse.

All of this information is helpful in making an accurate diagnosis and providing an effective treatment.

Is cupping painful?
The cupping sensation can be a bit strong for the first 60 seconds, the time which most of the toxins are removed.  It is helpful to try and relax into the process of being cupped and to acknowledge and tolerate the sensation. 

It is important not to get cupped on an empty stomach.  Inhale and exhale only through the nose.  This will slow the breathing and help to prevent you from getting lightheaded or dizzy.

​Patients typically experience immediate relief upon removal of the cups, making the initial discomfort well worth it.  Rarely, when skin turns deep purple, there may be more intense discomfort which goes away in 24-48 hours.

Aftercare.
Keep the cupped area covered, warm, and out of the wind and drafts for the following three days to make sure the muscles do not tighten and spasm.

If there is lasting discomfort, over-the-counter pain relief medication may be used.

Drink plenty of water to help clear the toxins and waste through the body's normal excretory system.

Take it easy after the cupping treatment and for the day after.  Avoid hot tubs and cold plunges to prevent getting chilled.  Avoid any strenuous activity, especially if there is residual soreness.

Remember, your skin has not been bruised or traumatized.  The coloration shows toxin release.

If you still have concerns, call your practitioner.

The moon shape clearly shows how effective cupping is at removing toxin and waste build-up.  

The lighter part shows where this patient was cupped two weeks earlier.  The dusky red shows a recent cupping treatment that overlapped the earlier cupping treatment.

Cupping removed toxic and waste build-up from the cells and restored proper circulation to that area, and prevented it from refilling two weeks later.

​Traditional Chinese medicine is so amazing! I love it!