Cupping is a technique we use to help get inflammation out of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia) that attach to your joints. It works by increasing the circulation in the region and improving the lymphatic drainage, thus helping to get more oxygen into the area and flush out the chemical byproducts of inflammation. We usually do it after a chiropractic adjustment to support the healing effect of the spinal alignment and to help you hold your adjustment longer.
What can you expect?
Some patients get immediate pain relief (You will know if you are one of those!). most people have a gradual decrease in pain and spasm over a period of days. And some patients get no effect at all. If that is you, we will choose another remedy that works better for you.
Cupping often makes pink or purple marks on the surface of the skin. In Chinese medicine, it is believed that the darker the mark, the more you needed cupping. these are not bruises, but more like "hickies".
Where did cupping start?
Probably in China, where they have been doing it for thousands of years. In traditional Chinese medicine, cupping is believed to help the flow of Chi through the body. but cupping is also used in the Middle East and in many Central and South American healing traditions. Even in Europe, cupping was a common medical practice until recently.
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