Cupping is a therapy that has been used for centuries both in the
orient and in the west. Early written records date from 28 AD, and
a traditional Chinese saying indicates "with acupuncture and
cupping, more than half the ills are cured".
Cupping
possesses exceptional value in the treatment of specific ailments,
which comes from the technique to purify blood and its ability to
enhance the body’s circulatory system, the immune system,the
integumentary system (skin), as well as other bodily systems. For
the healthy individual cupping promises longevity through greater
vitality and strength and it also serves to prevent illness. Short-term
bruises can appear, specially if the patient is quite ill or has
a lot of blood stagnation in the area. These can be valuable diagnostic
tools. Blood taken from these bruises have been shown to have high
acidity, low levels of calcium ions, as well as some bacteria and
viruses not usually found under normally colored areas of the skin.
Besides removing these toxins from the skin the treatment also breaks
up old red blood cells (erythrocytes) allowing them to be removed
by the spleen and replaced by fresh ones by the bone marrow. Lab
findings have also shown a greater amount of wastes excreted in
the urine following a cupping treatment.
The
most essential and interesting benefit of cupping lies in its ability
to freshen the blood, thus cleansing the body’s blood system,
enlivening and healing the whole organism. Cupping is a powerful
treatment for skin health and beauty.
When
the body is in need of cleansing there are two basic approaches:
Internally, by fasting or cleansing with herbs and diet, and externally
by cupping. Improving circulation, the body’s circulatory
system acts like a sewage system, removing wastes and debris from
the body. Good circulation is essential to good health. Cupping
cleanses away the cause of illness, stimulates the body’s
own powers of healing and is excellent as a regular cleansing practice.
Cupping
has also been found to affect the body up to four inches into the
tissues, causing tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic
system, clear colon blockages, help activate and clear the veins,
arteries and capillaries, activate the skin, clear stretch marks
and improve varicose veins. Cupping is the best deep tissue massage
available. Cupping is used to: drain excess fluids and toxins, loosen
adhesions and lift connective tissue, bring blood flow to stagnant
skin and muscles and stimulate the peripheral nervous system. Cupping
therapy has been further developed as a means to open the 'Meridians'
of the body. Meridians are the conduits in the body through which
energy flows to every part of the body and through every organ and
tissue. There are five meridians on the back that, when opened,
allow invigorating energy to travel the whole length of the body.
It has been found that cupping is probably the best way of opening
those meridians.
Today, cupping is mainly recommended for the treatment of pain,
gastro-intestinal disorders, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, lung
diseases (especially chronic cough and asthma), common cold, paralysis,
menstrual disorders, allergies, skin disorders including skin cancer,
heart disease, diabetes, rashes, migraines and chronic headaches,
arthritis, joint pains, sport injuries, upper and lower back pain,
neck and shoulder pain, knee, ankle, and elbow sprain and strain,
acute sprained ankle, hormonal disorders, kidney disease, animal
bites, hypertension, fatigue and depression, weight gain.
Claudia
usually combines cupping with massage and acupuncture ($85 per one
hour session) 805-560-9727
About
the Author
Claudia
Brachtl, L.Ac.
is cofounder of The Prana Center, Santa Barbara's exclusive
healing center for Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine, offering
authentic Ayurvedic bodywork, marma therapy, consultations, nutrition,
acupuncture and Pancha Karma cleanses. She is a Licensed Acupuncturist,
Diplomate of Acupuncture, Diplomate of Chinese Herbology and an
Ayurvedic practitioner.
Claudia
may be contacted at:
The Prana Center
1605 Bath Street #4
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
USA Phone and Fax: 805-560-9727
email: claudia@beyondacupuncture.us
web site: www.beyondacupuncture.us
See
Claudia's page in Our Directory
Read
the article "Oh Baby! Prenatal and Postpartum the Ayurvedic
Way"
- by Gina Tolleson, Santa Barbara News-Press, July 31, 2006