Chinese medicine is a system of healing that has been around for thousands of years. Remarkably, chinese medicine is based on ancient texts and the result of continuous clinical documentation and testing. There are many aspects to this system of medicine. For instance, this includes acupuncture, cupping, herbal medicine and manipulation.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Cupping Therapy is about what cupping is and how it can help you.
Acupuncture and Cupping
Firstly, Acupuncture is a treatment that has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems. It is a painless technique used to affect what the ancient chinese practitioners called Meridians (energy channels) in your body under the skin. Traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that an energy, or “life force”, flows through the body in these channels called meridians. This life force is known as Qi (pronounced “chee”).
Secondly, Acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced pathways along the meridians to bring balance back. The goal is to activate the body’s natural healing abilities.
Thirdly, the stimulation of acupuncture points is most effective through needle insertion. However, Cupping is a Suction technique and another method for stimulating the acupoints along the meridians. Cupping therapy is a therapeutic technique that utilizes a vacuum force created beneath a small vessel applied onto the skin’s surface.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Cupping Therapy Facts
First, in TCM stagnation refers to the blockage or impediment in the flow of vital substances within the body. Moreover, this is primarily Qi (vital energy) that is stagnating. In addition, potentially Blood, Phlegm, and Body Fluids, stagnate also. At Meiri Chiropractic, we perform cupping in the traditional Chinese method. This is by stimulating the acupuncture points to balance the meridian pathways. And cupping can also treat the “ashi points”. Ashi points do not have defined positions. They are the points where the patient feels pain during palpation (medical examination of the body by touching and feeling with the hands).
Second, Cupping is a versatile therapy that benefits overall health and effectively addresses localized and systemic complaints. For example, upper, mid back, and low back pain. And even for nerve related conditions like sciatica it is effective for helping relieve tension.
Third, Cupping can even help with congestion of the lungs and to “chase” a cold away.
Fourth, ultimately, for all ages, the strength of cupping corresponds to the patient’s level of comfort.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Cupping Therapy/Treatment
Before the cupping therapy, a comprehensive medical history and examination are essential. There are contraindications (specific reason to avoid a particular treatment because it could be harmful) for cupping therapy. This is to assess for any underlying conditions and get a diagnosis. Furthermore, a diagnosis leads to the best course of treatment and therapies for you.
The specific mechanism through which cupping has therapeutic effects remains unidentified. However, several theories (e.g. The pain-gate theory, The reflex zone theory) have been proposed and more research needs to be done.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Cupping Therapy
Cupping increases blood flow, decreases stagnation or pain in the body, and encourages relaxation. It helps to relax tight muscles and even nourish the body’s underlying resources to increase energy and vitality. It is useful as a complementary, alternative and integrative therapy utilized along with acupuncture and/or chiropractic care.
Meiri Chiropractic offers cupping therapy for neuromusculoskeletal conditions and many ailments. Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience. Call today for your cupping treatment at 561-253-8984.