Acupuncture treatments can include other beneficial therapies other than needles and one of the oldest methods in traditional Chinese medicine is cupping. Cupping is a method of warming air inside a glass cup that is then placed on the body. This action stimulates the skin by opening the pores, which encourages the flow of blood to the area, removes obstructions, draws out toxins, and realigns the flow of the body. This method can be beneficial to respiratory and GI conditions, arthritis, pain syndromes, colds/flus, and stress. This therapy does leave temporary marks on the body, which has been seen numerous times on pro-athletes and Hollywood stars alike. Recently Michael Phelps made cupping headline news and the media backed up the method on morning talk shows. Tonight as I watched the women’s soccer match between USA and Columbia, cup marks could be seen on our goalie Hope Solo. Needless to say, those concerned about their health and physical performance are finding cupping an integral part of their care.
Cupping is a service offered at River City Wellness alongside other modalities of Oriental medicine.