Chinese Cupping Therapy is an ancient healing technique that has been practiced for centuries in China. Cupping therapy is commonly used alongside massage and acupuncture to amplify their therapeutic effects.
In this article, we will delve into what this therapy is, as well as the benefits and techniques of Chinese cupping therapy in massage and acupuncture.
What is Cupping?
Chinese Cupping is an ancient alternative medicine that involves a licensed therapist putting special cups on the skin for a few minutes to generate suction. There are two types of cupping – dry and wet.
Dry cupping involves the therapist putting a flammable substance like alcohol, herbs (Chinese herb therapy), or paper in a cup and lighting it on fire (fire cupping therapy). Once the fire goes out, the cup is placed upside down on the skin. The air inside the cup cools, creating a vacuum. This causes the skin to rise and blood vessels to expand. The cup is usually left in place for about 3 minutes.
Wet cupping, also called “hijama,” takes the process of dry cupping a step further. Once the cup has been left in place for 3-5 minutes, the therapist administers little cuts to the raised skin allowing to release of toxic blood and fluids. The therapist may apply pressure to speed up the fluid flow process, and another cup is placed on the same area to draw out the liquids.
The cups can be made from:
- Glass
- Bamboo
- Earthenware
- Silicone
The Benefits of Cupping
The major benefit of cupping is increased blood flow, which helps increase the rate of healing in recovery from muscle fatigue, injuries, and other conditions. Many athletes, including Michael Phelps, use cupping on muscle knots to help improve and keep up performance.
Cupping can be used to treat any of the following conditions:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Back, hip, and IT band pain
- Pain in the shoulders, upper back or neck
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Certain respiratory issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and chest congestion related to the common cold
Chiropractic cupping or cupping for fertility are also potential uses.
Cupping in Acupuncture
Cupping can be used as a standalone massage treatment, but it can also be beneficial if combined with acupuncture in one treatment. The suction and negative pressure provided by cupping can loosen muscles, encourage blood flow, and sedate the nervous system (which makes it an excellent treatment for high blood pressure). It pulls tension up, which can then be released by using acupuncture. Acupuncture involves inserting very thin, sterile needles through the skin at strategic points on the body. Acupuncture is based on the concept of “qi,” which is the energy used to address pain and mobility problems. The practice is used to relieve pain, but more recently it has found a place in overall wellness promotion – including stress management.
Why Study Chinese Cupping?
A career in acupuncture with a specialization in cupping can be rewarding by treating patients with holistic methods and helping them be the best version of themselves. Some of the benefits you can expect to enjoy from this career path include:
Flexibility in scheduling
One of the best perks about pursuing a career in acupuncture therapy is the chance to make your own work schedule. You can have your own practice if you want to, or you could choose to go into business with someone else. The choice is entirely yours.
Travel opportunity
As a licensed acupuncturist specializing in cupping, you are in demand virtually everywhere. You choose to live wherever you like and practice in any health setting you wish. Additionally, you could travel regularly for work. Spas, resorts, cruise ships, and other settings are just some of the exciting places to pursue a career in acupuncture.
Improved workplace atmosphere
Traditional clinical settings can be stuffy or ridden with bureaucracy, but working in a practice specializing in acupuncture has much more freedom. Running your own practice means you can set the vibe.
Practicing independently
You have a world of opportunity as an acupuncturist, and one of the best opportunities is the chance to be your own boss. You can build your own career from the bottom up, which can be very rewarding.
A faster career path
Becoming a traditional medical doctor can take many years – four in medical school and then between three and seven years in residency. Becoming an acupuncturist takes just 12 months through the American Institute of Alternative Medicine (AIAM).
Chinese Cupping Therapy at AIAM
Getting a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture from AIAM prepares healthcare practitioners to provide holistic and alternative treatments for patients. Most patients wish to alleviate their conditions with as few medications as possible. Chinese cupping therapy is just one of many different traditional Chinese medicines you can expect to learn through AIAM’s Acupuncture program. Others include:
- Korean hand therapy
- Gua sha
- Moxibustion
- Needle-less acupuncture
Acupuncture Therapy at AIAM
If you’re interested in experiencing cupping, you should make sure to consider having acupuncture done as well, as the two services are complementary and fall under the same holistic treatment umbrella. AIAM’s Acupuncture Therapy Clinic focuses on traditional Chinese medicine with the goal of promoting balance, health, and vitality. Acupuncture can involve needles or be needleless, and the major goal of the practice is to alleviate pain, which increases a person’s ability to feel better as a whole.
AIAM’s acupuncture programs have been running for 20 years – making the program one of the longest-running in the Midwest. Prospective employers look specialization when hiring new therapists, and AIAM can prepare you to showcase your capabilities with cupping. You will also learn key business skills and professionalism, which set you up for a rewarding, long-lasting career as a licensed therapist.
The Bottom Line
After exploring the benefits and techniques of Chinese cupping therapy in massage and acupuncture, it is clear that this practice has the potential to improve overall wellness and alleviate various physical ailments. Whether you are struggling with chronic pain, respiratory issues, or stress and anxiety, cupping therapy may be a valuable addition to your healthcare routine.
If you’re interested in acupuncture and massage therapy, check out the acupuncture program at the American Institute of Alternative Medicine. Feel free to contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does Chinese cupping do?
Chinese cupping is a form of alternative therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction is believed to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation, and well-being.
What is cupping treatment in Chinese?
Cupping is a traditional Chinese therapy in which cups are placed on the skin to create suction. This is believed to help promote healing, reduce pain, and improve blood flow.
What is cupping therapy good for?
Cupping therapy is believed to be good for reducing pain, inflammation, and promoting relaxation.
How long do you leave Chinese cupping on?
The general recommendation is to leave the cups in place for around 10 minutes, but the duration can vary depending on the individual’s tolerance and the specific condition being treated.
What not to do after Chinese cupping?
After Chinese cupping, it is important to avoid taking a hot shower or bath, exposing the treated area to sunlight, consuming alcohol or caffeine, and engaging in strenuous exercise or activity for at least 24 hours.