Often when I mention cupping to my patients they tell me of a parent or grandparent that used to perform “cupping” on members of the family.  Patients from Eastern and Central Europe, Israel, Mexico and Latin American along with those from Asia all seem to have witnessed this often nameless procedure.  However, rarely, do they know why?  Pop culture magazines have shown photos of celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow with the circular marks left from cupping.

Here are the “why and how” of cupping:

Cupping is useful for moving the qi (energy) and blood in the body.   It is used in many conditions where stagnation of these substances causes pain.  I find that cupping is extremely helpful in releasing knots and pain in the upper back and shoulder area. It can also be used when the body is under exterior pathogenic attack (viral cold). I’ve used cups to treat many other disorders including hives.

I specifically use a process called “sliding cupping.” After applying therapeutic oil to the area along the back and around the shoulder blades, I run the cups up and down the para-spinal muscles adjacent to spine, between the shoulder blades and down the low back. Suction is the goal.

Using smooth glass cup it is easy to monitor the strength of the suction when applied to the patients skin.   With forceps I dip a cotton ball in alcohol, light it, and quickly insert it inside of the cup removing the oxygen and creating a vacuum.  When the cup is placed on the patient, the skin is drawn up into the cup.

By placing the cup over an injured area, stagnant blood and toxins are brought to the surface allowing fresh blood to nourish the injured site.  The skin turns slightly pink in areas where the muscles are relaxed, but deep purple where there is pathology. The marks generally disappear within 2 or 3 days.

This same treatment can be used to improve sexual function. In terms of western medicine, the nerves of the lumbar vertebrae supply the sex organs and nerve centers in the lower end of the spinal cord are very important in activating an erotic response in the body. When blood flow is increased in this area of the body, sexual function improves.

Clearly, many of us are feeling the stress of our world.  The body’s natural response to stress is to go into the state of “fight or flight.”

Here’s what “fight or flight” looks like physiologically—Our heart rate increases, our pupils dilate, and our digestion temporarily shuts down, directing blood to our extremities, so that if need be, we can either fight what is threatening us, or turn and run if the threat is too formidable.

This reaction is helpful when there is a physical threat to our body.  BUT, it is a primitive response that doesn’t is not helpful for stress cause by issues of daily life.

So, when you complain of upper back, shoulder and neck pain it’s usually cause by the tension created during this response system.  Tension in the muscles around these areas, block the free flow of energy (qi), causing pain, tightness, and often leading to headaches and tightness in the jaw.

Stress, Anxiety, and generally agitation effects other parts of the body, most notably digestion, the ability to sleep, pain conditions, and blood pressure.  In truth, it messes with all of our existing health conditions.

Acupuncture works to alleviate stress by releasing natural pain-killing chemicals in the brain, called endorphins. In addition, acupuncture improves circulation of blood throughout the body, which oxygenates the tissues and cycles out cortisol and other waste chemicals. The calming nature of acupuncture also decreases heart rate, lowers blood pressure and relaxes the muscles.

A positive regime of good nutrition, exercise and stress reducing practices with help combat all that gets pitched at the body regularly.

As an acupuncturist, herbalist, nutritional counselor, message therapist, and life coach—I integrate many diverse modalities into one treatment.  Many of my patients have referred to me endearingly as the “one stop shop.”