Fire Cupping: What You Need to Know

fire cupping Santa Barbara Herb Clinic
Photo by the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

 

Fire Cupping or Dry Cupping might trendy nowadays due to some star athletes in the Olympics and health buffs swearing by its benefits. But this traditional healing method dates back to ancient Chinese, Egyptian and Middle Eastern cultures. There are old medical textbooks dating back to 1550 B.C. which describe how Egyptians used cupping therapy.

 

There are many benefits that come with this type of traditional healing technique. It mainly helps with inflammation, pain, relaxation, blood flow, and well-being. This kind of deep-tissue massage will invigorate your mind and body.

 

 

What is Fire Cupping?

Fire Cupping involves the use of small glass cups or bamboo jars that are placed on the skin. Placing these inverted cups over a small flame before placing them on the skin creates suction. The cups are left in place, usually on your back, and are gently moved across the skin. The suction in the cups causes the superficial muscle layer and the skin to be lightly drawn into the cups. This creates a gentle pressure to pull your muscles upward. It can loosen muscles, encourage blood flow, and calm the nervous system.

 

Just like acupuncture, fire cupping follows the lines of meridians, or specific points in your body. Based on these points, cupping can thus target specific health problems and align your energy flow. It detoxifies your body, clears blockages, and refreshes your arteries and veins.

 

fire cupping
Fire cupping can leave marks like these on the skin, but they go away after a short while.

 

Fire Cupping Benefits

Here’s a list of the common health benefits of fire cupping that can promote overall health.

 

  • Relieves pain, especially back and neck pain, or stiff muscles

 

  • Helps decrease anxiety and depression

 

  • Helps improve blood pressure

 

  • Treats fatigue

 

  • Heals migraines

 

  • Helps treat rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia

 

  • Helps improve symptoms of colds

 

  • Targets breathing problems

 

  • Helps treat blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia

 

  • Assists in fertility and gynecological disorders

 

  • Helps treat skin problems such as acne and eczema

 

  • Lessens bronchial congestion caused by asthma or allergies

 

  • Helps heal varicose veins

 

  • Supplements weight loss and cellulite treatments

 

 

During a Fire Cupping Treatment

While the cups are on your body, you will barely feel anything but the cups suctioning your skin. As a result, some might feel some pain while the therapist glides the cups over their back. You can let the therapist know about it and he or she can use a different-sized cup that is more preferable. The sensation of pain doesn’t last long, and it would give way to a relaxing feeling that invigorates you.

 

The red marks from the suction marks would usually be gone after a few days.

There are some patients that experience a great clarity of mind the next day after a treatment, and their back pain is no longer there. If you experience back pain that can’t be easily addressed through various massage methods, try fire cupping as another treatment that can relax and revitalize you.

 

 

Fire Cupping with Acupuncture Treatment

You can consult with your therapist if getting an acupuncture session with your fire cupping therapy would be best for you. Acupuncture can release blocks in the energy flow of your body and treat the root cause of health issues, while Fire Cupping improves circulation and promotes relaxation. Getting a fire cupping treatment alongside acupuncture can rejuvenate your well-being.

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

Book a Session with a Chinese Medicine Practitioner Now

Santa Barbara Herb Clinic offers fire cupping as one of its specialties in a long list of natural healing treatments available. Our Chinese Medicine Practitioner and licensed acupuncturist will make a full assessment of your health and create a customize treatment plan for your specific health needs. Book an appointment now and experience the wonderful benefits that come with natural and holistic treatments.

 

 

 

References

3 Reasons Everyone Should Try Cupping, Jennifer Dubowsky – https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-16791/3-reasons-everyone-should-try-cupping.html

 

8 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Cupping Therapy | Positive Health Wellness – https://www.positivehealthwellness.com/pain-relief/8-scientifically-proven-benefits-cupping-therapy/

 

Cupping Therapy | WebMD – https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/cupping-therapy#2

 

The Many Benefits Of Chinese Cupping | PCOM – https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/09/20/many-benefits-chinese-cupping