Cupping and Acupuncture

Acupuncture

Cupping and Acupuncture

Acupuncture needles are the most common tool used by many acupuncturists in Chicago but other tools or modalities can be used as well such as an acupuncture cupping set. Cupping can be used alone to treat a patient or in conjunction with acupuncture needles.

Cupping in acupuncture:

Acupuncture Cupping Sets are made from either a hard durable plastic or heavy thick glass. Both come in a variety of sizes to accommodate the area being treated. Glass cupping sets are traditionally used in acupuncture cupping.

Plastic vs Glass Acupuncture Cupping Sets

Glass:

Also called fire cupping, glass cups are attached to the skin’s surface to create a suction/ negative pressure by introducing heat briefly to the inside of the cup just before applying it to the skin. Glass cups can also be moved around the skins surface to treat a larger surface area.

The plastic type of cups are placed onto the skin and a small pump attaches to the top of the cup and is used to pump the air out of the cup to create the suction effect. These cups are left in their position and cannot be moved around the skin.

In my experience I’ve seen the best results when using fire cupping with glass cups and that is what I commonly use but the plastic cups may also be used with good results based on the patient’s preference.

Acupuncture Cupping Benefits

Cupping has the function of warming and promoting the flow of qi and blood in the meridians, dispelling cold dampness, diminishing swelling and pain. The acupuncture cupping method is mainly used to treat bi syndrome caused by wind dampness such as pain in the back, shoulders, hips and legs. Gastrointestinal disorders like stomachache, vomiting or diarrhea. Also respiratory symptoms related to congestion, coughing and asthma.

Cupping can be combined with acupuncture needles in certain treatments where the muscular tension is severe. Cupping is used first to decrease the tension and acupuncture needles are then used afterwards to further reinforce the healing process.

Other useful methods include cupping to eliminate toxins stored in our bodies muscle and fat tissue.

What does Cupping Acupuncture Feel Like?

Most patients describe the feeling as suction cups or pressure on the skin that is warm and pleasantly comfortable. After cupping there may be a bruise at the local area, this is normal and will disappear within a few days. Multiple treatments may be needed depending on the amount of discoloration that appears after each treatment. Benefits are achieved when discoloration no longer surfaces during the cupping treatment.