Cupping is a traditional pain relief method in which heated cups are placed on the skin. They act as suction and help bring toxins to the surface. We offer cupping in both our Houston Heights and West Chase clinics.
"One of the oldest medical texts to mention cupping therapy is Eber’s papyrus (1550 B.C.) from Ancient Egypt, though cupping is a part of many ancient healing systems, including Chinese, Unani, traditional Korean, and Tibetan. Greek physician Hippocrates, often referred to as the “father” of medicine, even compiled descriptions of cupping techniques.
These days, cupping therapy is usually found as a treatment offered by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine."
Ashley Marcin & Crystal Hoshaw; Cupping Therapy: Uses, Benefits, and More (healthline.com)
BENEFITS
- Suction helps facilitate the flow of “qi” in the body - helps balance yin and yang, or the negative and positive, within the body. Restoring balance between these two extremes is thought to help with the body’s resistance to pathogens as well as its ability to increase blood flow and reduce pain - Increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed - Relieves muscle tension, which can improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair - Help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue. - Removes toxins by stimulating the immune response - Eliminate uric acid - Positive effects on the lymphatic system
Is it scientifically proven?
Cupping Therapy: Uses, Benefits, and More (healthline.com);Ashley Marcin & Crystal Hoshaw;
"There is a growing body of research digging into how and why cupping may work.
A 2018 review of studies noted that cupping therapy has reported benefits for a variety of conditions that can be categorized as either localized or systematic diseases.
Cupping is thought to alleviate symptoms by promoting peripheral (close to the skin) blood circulation and improving immunity.
According to the 2018 review, the effects of cupping therapy include:
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promoting the skin’s blood flow
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changing the skin’s biomechanical properties
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increasing pain thresholds
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improving local anaerobic (without oxygen) metabolism
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reducing inflammation
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boosting cellular immunity
According to a 2017 study, the mechanical effect of cupping increases local blood flow and stretches underlying tissue.
Activation of Heme oxygenase-1, a gene that plays a critical role in the prevention of vascular inflammation, could account for many of cupping therapy’s claimed local and systemic health benefits.
A 2019 study noted that no single theory exists to explain the whole effects of cupping, but some theories include:
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altering pain signal processing
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using counter-irritation, or pain to reduce pain
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stimulating increased blood circulation through the release of nitric oxide
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stimulating the immune system with artificial local inflammation
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increasing the level of immune products, such as interferon and tumor necrotizing factor
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increasing the flow of lymph in the lymphatic system
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decreasing uric acid and both types of cholesterol
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changing the molecular structure and function of hemoglobin (Hb)
Despite multiple theories, more quality research is needed to confirm the effects of cupping as well as the mechanisms by which they may or may not support healing."