IS CUPPING THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU?
Cupping
Questions? Call (201) 444-7150 or email acujosh@acupunctureYES.com
•
Questions? Call (201) 444-7150 or email acujosh@acupunctureYES.com •
The benefit is in the suction!
“What? What’s that?”
That’s often the response I get from people who’ve never experienced cupping. And yes, the cups, and the temporary circular marks they can leave behind, may look a little strange.
But cupping is actually a simple technique, and the benefit is in the suction.
What Is Cupping?
With traditional Chinese fire cupping, a brief flame is used to create suction inside a glass cup before it is placed on the skin. The flame never touches your skin.
Depending on what we’re treating, the suction can be adjusted from lighter to stronger based on your comfort level. And that suction is what makes cupping different from something like massage.
Massage Pushes. Cupping Pulls.
During a massage, pressure is applied down into the muscles.
Cupping works in the opposite direction. The suction gently lifts the skin and superficial tissues upward, temporarily increasing local blood flow and giving us another way to work with stubborn areas of muscle tightness and soreness.
Think about what can happen after sitting at a computer for hours. Your shoulders gradually move forward. Your neck tightens. The muscles between your shoulder blades can start feeling like rocks.
Or maybe you’ve been dealing with back pain and the surrounding muscles have become tight and difficult to relax.
For many patients, the practical goal of cupping is simple: help those stubborn, tight muscles finally let go.
Questions you may have:
What Can Cupping Be Used For?
We commonly consider cupping when patients are experiencing problems such as:
Tight neck and shoulders
Upper-back tightness
Lower-back muscle tension
Muscle soreness
Muscle tightness after exercise
Areas that feel knotted or difficult to relax
Restricted or uncomfortable movement
Muscular tension associated with stress
It can be particularly useful for the patient who tells me: “I stretch it. I massage it. I use heat. But this muscle just won’t loosen up.”
That’s when cupping may be another tool we can use.
What Does Cupping Feel Like?
Patients typically describe cupping as a pulling, stretching, or tight sensation.
Some people prefer stronger suction, while others are more comfortable with something gentler. The treatment doesn’t have to be uncomfortable to be useful, so the strength of the suction can be adjusted based on the area we’re treating and your individual comfort level.
Cupping can also leave temporary circular marks on the skin. Depending on the person, the strength of the suction, and how long the cups remain in place, the marks may range from light pink to red or darker purple.
These marks generally fade gradually over several days.
Is Cupping Safe for Everyone?
Cupping isn’t appropriate for every patient or every situation. We generally avoid cupping over open wounds, skin infections or significant irritation, recent injuries, fractures, or areas where a blood clot is suspected. Additional precautions may be necessary if you take blood-thinning medication, bruise easily, or have a bleeding or clotting disorder.
That’s why we review your health history and the area being treated before deciding whether cupping is appropriate for you.
Why Combine Cupping With Acupuncture?
Cupping and acupuncture don’t have to be either/or treatments. Acupuncture may be used to address pain signaling, muscle tension, and other aspects of a patient’s condition, while cupping gives us another way to work directly with tight, sore muscles through suction.
For the right patient, combining the two allows us to approach the problem from different directions as part of an individualized pain treatment.
Ready to Loosen Up Those Tight, Achy Muscles?
If your neck, shoulders, or back constantly feel tight, or massage, stretching, and heat only seem to provide temporary relief, ask us whether acupuncture and cupping may be appropriate for you.
Call Integrative Acupuncture Center at 201-444-7150 to schedule your consultation.
Get out of pain. Get moving. Get back to doing the things you enjoy.
What Our Clients are Saying
-
"…He helps me with my swollen joints and pain due to Rheumatoid Arthritis. He helps to lessen my perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, tiredness, sleep issues as well as digestive issues. He is a very good listener, gentle, and kind. He genuinely wants his patients to feel better and he will do everything in his power to get you feeling better…"
Kim
-
"Joshua Goldstein is a magical wizard that has put the time and effort into helping me with all of my pregnancy ailments … I originally went to him for back pain, he not only has helped that, but also my congestion, anxiety, digestion, and hip pain. I can't thank or recommend him more!!"
Rebecca
Learn more about each modality and we will create a plan tailored to fit your needs.
Joshua Goldstein L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncturist
& Chinese Herbalist
Graduate of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine with a Master’s in Chinese Medicine
Board Certified Acupuncturist in New York and New Jersey
NCBAHM certified for over 26 years.
Several examinations are offered by the NCBAHM on many of the major branches, skills, and techniques of Oriental Medicine. Most states in the US require passing of one or more of these tests in order to become a licensed practitioner of the associated techniques.
Let me help you reach your fullest potential for health and pain-free living!
Questions? Call (201) 444-7150 or email acujosh@acupunctureYES.com
