5 Reasons To Consider Cupping

30 seconds

Cupping is a 2,500-year-old Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique. TCM is a healing system of Eastern medicine that incorporates therapies that are in some cases millennia older. In addition to treating illness, TCM focuses on strengthening the body’s defenses and enhancing its capacity for healing and maintaining health.

Cupping is one of TCM’s practices and involves placing special cups filled with heated air on painful areas of the body. As the cups cool, the volume of air within them shrinks, creating suction on the skin that increases blood flow to the area. It can be used to:

1. Relieve aches and pains
2. Address respiratory problems
3. Ease coughs and wheezing
4. Improve circulation
5. Minimize menstrual symptoms

Cupping can leave bruises that can take a week or more to fade. Sessions should be done by a licensed acupuncturist, and typically last 10 to 15 minutes. Once the marks from the previous session have disappeared, treatment can be repeated. If you are suffering from any of the above conditions, consider giving cupping a try to see if it helps. Speak with your doctor first if you suffer from bleeding concerns or take blood thinning medications.

Today’s Health Topics

Editor's Pick

• Stuffed Mushroom Caps With Couscous

Health Focus

• Mood Altering Drugs: Pros And Cons

Ask Dr. Weil's Q&A

• How Much Body Fat Do We Need?

sponsor

Begin The Anti-Inflammatory Diet Today! Dr. Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Healthy Aging Plan can help us all age with grace and delay the onset of age-related concerns such as heart disease, Alzheimer's, and many forms of cancer. By developing sound lifestyle practices, you can experience optimal health and well-being. Begin a 14-day free trial of Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging for access to shopping guides, eating tips, recipes, interactive tools, videos and more!