Cupping Therapy
Many alternative and holistic methods for pain relief exist, and one method that is growing in popularity is cupping therapy. This therapy is an ancient practice that involves putting suction cups on your body, and it can help with a variety of health issues. Contact Advanced Physical Therapy in Philadelphia, PA to learn more about suction cup therapy or schedule your appointment.
The Basics of Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy may have been in use in Ancient Egypt, so this holistic approach to healing has been around for thousands of years. It involves a professional placing special heated cups on your skin that create suction.
These cups are normally made out of glass, silicone, bamboo, or earthenware, and you can choose either dry cupping or wet cupping:
- Dry cupping : This includes the professional lighting a fire in the cup and placing it on your skin as the fire goes out. This creates a vacuum that causes your skin to rise and your blood vessels to expand. With dry cupping, the cup will stay in place for a few minutes.
- Wet cupping : The process starts the same as with dry cupping, but after the first cup is removed, the professional will make tiny cuts in your skin and then place another cup on the affected area. This draws a small amount of blood out.
Both types of cupping therapy have benefits and uses. Talk to one of our professionals to see which is best for you.
The Benefits of Suction Cup Therapy
Cupping therapy has been used to treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions, but the most common ones are muscle aches and pains. You may also find relief from skin issues, such as acne, and digestive issues because the cups are placed on acupressure points. Plus, cupping therapy doesn’t cause any known side effects other than red marks or bruising on your skin.
