If you read the news, you may know that more and more people are talking about cupping, a service we offer here at CJ Warren Salon & Spa with our very own Ace Cupping certified massage therapist and esthetician, Lori Glines. “Tried cupping with Lori today for the first time [and] never felt better,” Jeff Limbaugh said on our Facebook page, “would highly recommend.”
Some people understand exactly what it is, while others…not so much! So we’re here to set the record straight on cupping.
What is cupping?
Cupping is a type of alternative therapy that originated in China. It involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. The suction facilitates healing with blood flow.
Cupping increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This can relieve muscle tension, which can improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair. It can also help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue. People use cupping to complement their care for a host of ailments and conditions.
What are the different types of cupping?
Cupping was originally performed using animal horns. Later the “cups” were made from bamboo and then ceramic. The suction was primarily created through the use of heat. The cups were originally heated with fire and then applied to the skin. As they cooled, the cups drew the skin inside. At CJ Warren Salon & Spa, we do not offer fire cupping. Instead, we’re able to cup the skin using state-of-the-art machines like the one that can be seen in the video above.
What should I expect during a cupping treatment?
During a cupping treatment, a cup is placed on the skin and then suctioned onto the skin. When the cup is placed on your skin, the air inside the cup cools and creates a vacuum that draws the skin and muscle upward into the cup. Your skin may turn red as the blood vessels respond to the change in pressure.
Cupping is sometimes performed along with acupuncture treatments, or – in our case – massages. For best results, you may also want to fast or eat only light meals for 2 to 3 hours before your cupping session.
What conditions can cupping treat?
Cupping has been used to treat a wide variety of conditions. It may be particularly effective at easing conditions that create muscle aches and pains. Since the cups can also be applied to major acupressure points, the practice is possibly effective at treating digestive issues, skin issues, and other conditions commonly treated with acupressure.
In 2012, the journal PLoS One published a review of cupping therapy that suggests that cupping therapy may help with the following conditions, among others:
- herpes zoster
- facial paralysis
- cough and dyspnea
- acne
- lumbar disc herniation
- cervical spondylosis
Preparing for your cupping appointment
Cupping is a long-practiced treatment that may help ease the symptoms of both temporary and chronic health conditions. If you choose to try cupping, consider using it as a complement to your current doctor visits, not a substitute.
Here are some things to consider before beginning cupping therapy:
- What conditions does the cupping practitioner specialize in treating?
- What method of cupping does the practitioner use? We do not fire cup, just use a basic cupping machine!
- Does the practitioner have any certifications? Ours does!
- Do you have a condition that may benefit from cupping?
Before beginning any alternative therapy, remember to let your doctor know that you’re planning to incorporate it into your treatment plan.
Would you like to give cupping a try today? It’s affordable and feels great! Just click here to request an appointment today or call us at (219) 662-2204 if you have any questions!