The Healing Art of Cupping
Cupping Therapy is a treatment in which the practitioner creates suction to the skin with a special (usually glass) cup to stimulate the blood circulation and energy flow. This practice helps with the sore muscles, excess fluids, and pulls toxins from surface tissues.
Cupping is used to treat a wide variety of ailments, including:
- Indigestion
- Headaches
- Hypertension
- Colds/coughs/congestion due to allergy and asthma
- Back pain
- Nervous system/pinched nerves
- Neck pain
- Painful menses
- Arthritis and joint swelling
- Abdominal pain
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) belief, there are meridians in the body that are responsible for the flow of energy through every part of the body. When the blood flow becomes stagnant and the energy channels are blocked, disorders or pain can arise. Cupping is a great way of opening these meridians, and allowing the flow of energy throughout the body.
For the treatment, cups are heated and applied to the skin surface which creates a vacuum with the skin (the strength of which can be controlled and/or adjusted during the treatment) and draws up the toxins. Once the suction has occurred, the cups can be glided along the body.
Cupping can provide relief to those with lung congestion due to allergies and asthma. Also after suffering an injuring to an area (such as a bump on the leg), sometimes there can be fluids, stagnant blood which remain and cause blockages and pain. Cupping can be used to provide relief for such injuries. The therapy can also help to stimulate the lymphatic system and to detox or clean it out.
Cupping can be used alone or combined with massage or acupuncture treatments. At CNY Healing Arts Centers, we have practitioners that are trained in the art of cupping, and would be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Not all services are offered at all locations so call the Center nearest you for more information and let us help you on your healing journey!
Syracuse:
195 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse, NY 13205
315.671.5755
Albany:
38A Old Sparrowbush Road, Latham, NY 12110
518.724.5750
Rochester:
2244 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14610
585.244.1280 ext. 2