Cupping Therapy

the natural health benefits of cupping

Cupping therapy is a form of ancient Chinese medicine in which suction is applied to the skin. This practice is believed to mobilize blood flow to promote healing. This practice is believed to date back to 3000 B.C. Cupping can be performed with cups made of glass, bamboo or earthenware.

During both methods, a flammable substance is placed inside the cup and set on fire and then quickly removed. Once the fire goes out, the cup is turned upside down and placed on the patient’s skin. This creates a vacuum as the air cools inside the cup. The cup is normally left in place for up to fifteen minutes. A more contemporary method of this therapy makes use of a pump instead of fire to create the suction within the cup.

Additionally, there are two forms of this therapy:
Dry cupping – Performed with suction only
Moving cupping – Performed with a combination of suction on oily skin surface

Chinese medicine defines cupping therapy as a form of acupressure that dissipates stagnant blood and lymph and promotes Qi flow. This alternative medicine method is believed to help treat a variety of conditions including:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Fertility problems
• Skin ailments such as acne and eczema
• Blood disorders such as anemia
• Anxiety/Stress
• Depression
• High blood pressure
• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis
• Varicose veins

Cupping therapy is also known for creating a full body relaxation and offers many positive psychological benefits. In addition, these techniques can reduce inflammation throughout the body that often leads to disease.

Chinese cupping is a safe practice however, you may experience slight discomfort after a session and there are risks for bruising of the skin. You may feel soreness in the treated areas, though you should not feel severe pain.

Cupping therapy should be avoided by pregnant women, those with cancer that has spread from one part of the body to another and those with muscle spasms or bone fractures.

Dr. Csoka will be happy to answer your questions and provide additional information and detail specific treatment options. We look forward to meeting you at our convenient Orange County office.