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THE ART OF CUPPING THERAPY
Cupping is a safe, painless, and effective method of treatment employed by a Doctor of Oriental Medicine. Cupping is the best deep tissue massage available.
- What is it? Cupping involves application on the skin of glass, bamboo, or plastic cups with a diameter of anywhere from one to four inches. A small amount of ointment is applied to the skin then the cups are applied using suction. The suction is created by putting some form of flame briefly into the cup and then removing the flame quickly upon putting the cup on the skin. The cups are either left in place for 5-15 minutes or slide along an area. Patients may exhibit signs that look similar to bruises or "hickeys". These marks may last 2-10 days depending of the pathology involved. They are not painful. Cupping is typically done on the neck, back and shoulders but can also be employed on the limbs. This therapy is suitable for adults or children when performed by a Doctor of Oriental Medicine.
- Why is it Done? Cupping has been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues causing them to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear the colon, clear the veins, arteries, and capillaries, help varicose veins, and stretch marks. In Traditional Chinese Medicine cupping is used to open up the meridians. Meridians or conduits control the flow of energy to every part and every organ and tissue in the body. There are five such meridians on the back. Cupping is the best way to open the meridians and allow the smooth flow of invigorating energy the entire length of the body.
- What conditions can be improved? Common cold, asthma, allergies, recent trauma, old injury, constipation, menstrual conditions, illness, and tight painful muscles.
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