Cupping Therapy
For San Jose, Milpitas and Fremont
Cupping Therapy has been used by health practitioners since ancient times. The Greeks, Egyptians and Chinese all practiced forms of cupping 3000 years ago. One of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, the Ebers Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians used cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C. However, here in the United States, cupping began to increase in popularity after the 2016 Summer Olympics, thanks to a very motivational Michael Phelps commercial.
There are many types of cupping, which can be classified by the type of cup used, the purpose for the cupping and the type of suction used. The most common are: Wet Cupping, which uses suction to draw blood out of the skin through small incisions; Fire Cupping, which uses glass suction cups and a live fire to create suction on the skin; and Dry Cupping, which uses rubber or plastic suction cups applied to the skin to increase blood flow and circulation. Dry Cupping is the type most commonly seen in the United States today, and is what Dr. Nic and Dr. Saber use here at Thrive.
Cupping Therapy is a modality used in many Chiropractic and Physical Therapy clinics for treating painful musculoskeletal issues. The known benefits to Dry Cupping are pain and inflammation reduction, a sedation of the nervous system, an increase of circulation to the treated area, a softening of adhesions and stiff connective tissue, drainage of toxins and waste from the lymphatic system and the ability to impact deeper, more hard-to-reach muscles and other soft tissues. Therefore, it can help with a variety of conditions (Please see Affects and Side Effects below).
Dry Cupping at Thrive Milpitas and Thrive 20/20 is done by applying plastic suction cups to skin that is either dry or to which lotion has been applied. The lotion allows the Doctor to glide the suction cup over the affected area providing a form of deep tissue massage. The suction is achieved by putting a small, manually-operated suction pump on a valve which is attached to each suction cup. The Doctor can control the amount of suction used. Multiple cups can be applied at one time to a painful or stiff area and are left on the skin anywhere from 5-20 minutes. Stretching exercises AKA active range of motion exercises can be utilized as well while the cups are applied.
When the cups are removed, the skin treated will have red circular areas that correspond to the diameter of the cup. This is the residual effect of the treatment – these red areas are temporary and will subside quickly over 2 or 3 days. Although dry cupping is considered safe, it should only be performed by a well-trained doctor, acupuncturist, physical therapist or other alternative medicine practitioner.
Affects
Skin: Improved metabolism in skin tissue, better functioning of sebaceous and sweat glands, improved healing and improved skin resistance.[19]
Muscles: Stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage.
Joints: Increased blood flow and secretion of synovial fluid.
Digestive system: Increased peristalsis and secretion of digestive fluids, better digestion and excretion.
Blood: Improved blood circulation, improved functioning of RBC and WBC.
Nervous System: Stimulates sensory nerves of skin, Improves ANS.
Side Effects
Cupping is a low-risk therapy. The side effects will typically occur during your treatment or immediately after. Lightheadedness or dizziness, sweating or nausea may be experienced.
After treatment, the skin around the rim of the cup may become irritated and marked in a circular pattern. There may be risk of Infection after undergoing cupping therapy and it can be avoided if practitioner follows the right methods for cleaning skin and controlling infection before and after the session.
We proudly provide Cupping Therapy Services for San Jose, Milpitas and Santa Clara areas. Please call to schedule an appointment at (408) 883-2088 or email info@thrive2020sanjose.com.