It originated as an ancient Chinese medicine therapy that has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. Modern clinical and anecdotal evidence has shown that cupping is highly effective for fast muscle recovery, which is why cupping therapy is highly sought after by top-level athletes and others who demand optimal performance from their bodies.
What is Cupping?
Cupping is a non-invasive therapy involving the application of several cups on the surface of the skin. The cups can be made of a variety of materials, including glass, silicone, plastic, ceramic, and bamboo. These cups are pre-heated to a comfortable and tolerable level before application. Within the circumference of the cup, a suction is created, and the skin beneath puckers into the cup. This suction is the basis of the therapy.
How Does Cupping Work?
When the suction is created, blood flow is concentrated in that area. In case you don’t know, blood flow is what permits internal healing. Blood cells deliver much-needed nutrients and other materials necessary to induce the healing process. This is why wounds swell immediately after the incident-because your body is doing what is necessary to promote healing. In cupping the intense blood flow is facilitated by cupping and suction.
How Fast Does Cupping Work?
Many patients report immediate relief after just one cupping session. For long-term relief, Boris Katz, PT may suggest multiple cupping treatments. Consult with our team during your visit for recommendations for your specific situation.
Is Cupping Painful?
There is a sensation that goes along with cupping therapy. Most patients find that cupping causes minimal discomfort. The after-effects of cupping therapy include redness and/or bruising at the site of the individual cups. However, this redness and/or bruising goes away fairly quickly.
What is Cupping Therapy Used For?
Our team has considerable experience offering cupping therapy for a multitude of conditions including:
- Muscle soreness
- Muscle weakness
- Localized pain
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Eczema
- Migraine
- Anxiety
Acupressure: A Needle-Free Alternative to Acupuncture
Acupressure and acupuncture both work from the same basic principles. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, disruptions in the normal flow of qi (life energy) can cause or contribute to any number of health problems. By manipulating specific acupuncture points on the body, practitioners can correct the flow of qi and thus relieve these problems. In modern scientific terms, the manipulations appear to increase circulation, relax soft tissues, and improve nerve function.
Acupressure uses the same "map" of points as acupressure. Instead of inserting needles, however, the practitioner applies pressure, either with the fingers or with tools called acupressure sticks (which also contain essential oils).
One advantage acupressure has over acupuncture lies in the fact that, since it does not invade the skin, you can undergo this form of treatment every other day instead of waiting several days between each session.
What Conditions Can Acupressure Treat?
Acupressure can successfully treat many of the same conditions as acupuncture. It seems to prove especially useful in the treatment of conditions that cause pain and/or nausea. Dr. Lior Farkash, DC Boris Katz, PT may recommend acupressure to help treat headaches, back pain, chronic headaches, arthritis pain, and nausea related to motion sickness, pregnancy, or cancer treatment.
How Boris Katz, PT Administers Acupressure
Our patients sit or lie comfortably on a treatment table while our team administers acupressure. Boris Katz, PT will apply pressure to each point (or multiple points) with the pressure gradually increasing for 30 seconds, holding steady for another 30 seconds, and then gradually relaxing for 30 more seconds. The pressure may be accompanied by circular motions at the acupressure points. You'll most likely have this process repeated 3 to 5 times for each acupressure point.
If you suffer from any of these conditions or something else, it’s worth it to ask our team about the possibility of cupping and acupressure therapy as a treatment option. Are you interested in learning more about cupping and acupressure therapy? If so, Boris Katz, PT can answer all of your questions about this interesting healing treatment. Call us (973) 732-3444 today to schedule your appointment.