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The ancient Chinese who implemented these procedures first believed that acupuncture opened up the meridians of the body to allow more optimal energy flow. It was also believed that cupping worked to release stagnant energy and toxins that may be causing harm. Oftentimes, acupuncture will be used as a follow-up treatment after cupping to enhance the healing benefits by combining these therapies. At our Delray Beach acupuncture and cupping center, we combine these old and safe methods with some of the latest physical therapies and medical sciences to provide a total wellness solution that can impact and energize the body, mind, and spirit.
Acupuncture and cupping techniques have been used for centuries to stimulate very specific points on the body through tiny needles (acupuncture) and suction (cupping). Acupuncture seeks to restore balance to areas of pain through energy flow via meridians throughout the body. It can also be used to relieve stress and promote feelings of relaxation through a virtually painless insertion of needles into the skin. Cupping techniques focus on helping muscles to recover from injury, overuse, or athletic performance faster.
Recent studies have shown that acupuncture provides relief from areas of pain within the body. Acupuncture can help to relieve pain by 50% and it is minimally invasive and does not require the use of pain medications. Many people who try acupuncture have already tried more common forms of pain management as prescribed by physicians including surgery or medication, but when those methods fail, it might be worth turning towards more holistic treatments that have been used for thousands of years. Though most acupuncturists would recommend seeing a physician first to rule out any serious injuries, it is agreed upon that acupuncture can help to alleviate symptoms of pain that are refractory to more modern treatment methods.
People who are experiencing symptoms of nausea and vomiting, dental pain, headaches including tension headaches or migraine, labor pains, lower back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis and osteoarthrosis, menstrual cramps, and respiratory disorders may feel improvement in their symptoms after acupuncture treatment.
The first acupuncture treatment is typically the longest as the acupuncturist will perform an examination, discuss with you your symptoms and lifestyle, and decide what the best way to move forward is. Following treatments usually take less time, and it may be recommended to come back once or twice a week for a period of time depending on the pain the client wishes to relieve. During the procedure, the steps involved can include:
Cupping is a safe and almost totally risk-free way to alleviate some of the pains and aches associated with the muscles. Cupping can also be used to alleviate pain associated with plantar fasciitis, back pain, hip pain, IT band pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatic disease, fibromyalgia, shingles, facial paralysis, lumbar disc herniation, and cervical spondylosis. It has also been used to treat skin conditions like acne, hives, or varicose veins and there is some evidence that it can help to decrease high blood pressure, lower cholesterol, alleviate migraine pain, and improve the functioning of the immune system.
Though it is not used to treat these conditions on its own, it is usually used as adjunctive therapy to reduce pain, tension, and discomfort caused by these conditions. It is an all-natural and safe way to reduce negative symptoms that do not rely on drugs or further medical procedures. Some of the ways it can help improve these symptoms include:
There are two types of cupping: dry cupping and wet cupping. Dry cupping solely utilizes the suction of the cups on the bare skin to elicit the healing benefits listed above. Wet cupping involves making nicks to the skin to release blood into the suction. Cupping therapy is relatively short and involves a series of steps to complete:
If one elects for wet cupping, then the entire process will be followed, however dry cupping only involves the placement of the cups to the skin without any punctures for blood release.
When completed by a licensed and experienced acupuncturist, there is very little risk for any type of injury, complications, or pain associated with the procedure. If done by someone who is not trained or experienced, the risks can be substantial, such as infection, punctured organs, collapsed lungs, or injury to the central nervous system. Because of this, it is important to do your research and make sure that the person you are seeking treatment from has the credentials to do so.
If you have a bleeding disorder, have a pacemaker, or are pregnant, it is best to speak with a primary physician about the complications and risks involved with either of these therapies prior to making an appointment.
At Basis Medical, we have licensed Delray Beach acupuncturists and cupping experts available to consult with you on possible treatment options and to implement the treatment pain-free and professionally. These are cost-effective ways to promote the body’s natural healing mechanisms, thus reducing the need for medications or surgeries for pain management. Though neither of these options treats any conditions or injuries, both can be used as forms of pain management and offer many benefits that, when paired with massage, physical therapy, chiropractic care, or regenerative medicine, can promote long-term healing throughout the affected areas.
