Acupuncture and Cupping
Feel a sense of peace in both body and mind with this natural way of relieving pain, tension, and stress that we keep in our bodies.
Healing Through Movement
Cupping is an ancient therapy that uses cups to create a suctioning effect to restore the movement of qi through the body. Establishing a healthy flow of energies and blood brings a healing balance that relaxes muscles and naturally eases pain. To maximize the effectiveness of this therapy, we offer this service in conjunction with acupuncture treatment.
Explore how cupping can help you on your health journey:
Cupping Benefits
Improved blood flow, calming of the nervous system, and relaxation of tight muscles are some of the main health benefits of cupping. Cupping therapy is therefore very effective in helping relieve pain in the back, neck, shoulders, and legs.
However, the benefits of cupping extend beyond bringing relief to individual areas. The release of tension and improvement of blood flow promotes healing through the whole body, helping to treat stress, anxiety, and respiratory symptoms, colds, flus, and boost immunity by activating the lymphatic system.
Cupping Services We Offer
Before you start cupping treatments, you’ll discuss your medical history and health goals with your practitioner so we can create a custom treatment plan for your specific condition and needs. Our recommendations will vary, but we’ll walk you through the entire process and answer any questions you may have.
Cupping Therapy
Acupuncture and Cupping
Cupping Therapy
Cupping treatments create a negative pressure on the skin, pulling it up into the cup and separating the skin, fascia, and muscle layers. The pressure promotes healing by restoring a healthy flow of qi and blood to those targeted areas. In our clinic, we practice dry cupping and will most likely recommend combining this therapy with acupuncture treatments to increase effectiveness.
You can expect cups to be placed along the area that is experiencing pain or tension, including along the back, neck, shoulders, arms or legs for a duration of 10-20 minutes. A practitioner may come in and move the cups to other areas at various time intervals.
Acupuncture and Cupping
Cupping maximizes the effects of an acupuncture treatment, which is why we pair these therapies together. Although these therapies use different techniques, they both improve the flow of qi and blood circulation. The positive effects can be felt in the specific spots of focus, plus the skin, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and lymph.
Cupping Therapy Is Not for Everyone
While cupping can be a very beneficial practice, it is not appropriate for every patient or for the treatment of certain conditions. Your practitioner will discuss your medical history with you to determine if cupping is right for you. We also do not practice wet cupping and avoid cupping on certain parts of the body.
Helping You Regain Control Over Your Health
Melting chronic back pain and stress-induced sciatica.
I have chronic pain in my neck and sciatia that flares up with stress. After each treatment of acupuncture and cupping, I notice a significant decrease in symptoms. Repeat treatments have helped me during times when I can predict stressful events. I really appreciate the professionalism of the practicer at Transformational Acupuncture provides.
Read MoreWhat We Treat
Cupping brings harmony to the entire body and can bring relief for a number of conditions. Most often it is used as an effective treatment for tension, tightness, and pain, but the benefits from relieving that tension improve a great number of conditions. By relaxing the muscles and improving circulation, you’ll be able to feel a sense of peace in both your body and mind.
Chronic & Acute Pain
Mental & Emotional Health
Sleep & Insomnia
Common Conditions Treated With Cupping
Cupping is often used to relieve pain and tension in the neck, shoulders, and back. However, it has also been an effective therapy for respiratory conditions, cold and flu congestion, boosting the immune system, and calming stress and anxiety.
We use cupping treatment for a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Pain management
- Low back/sciatic/sacrum pain
- Mid and upper back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder, elbow, forearm, and wrist pain
- Hip, knee, and joint pain
- Headaches or migraines
- Sports or other types of injuries
- Sleep and insomnia
- Stress and mental health
- Anxiety, depression, and emotional health
- Asthma and other respiratory problems
Practitioner Offering Cupping
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is an ancient Chinese practice that promotes healing by improving the flow of qi and blood throughout the body. Special cups are placed on various parts of the body (the back is a typical spot) to create a suction which brings blood to those areas. The improved circulation helps with pain, tightness, and tension.
What is Dry Cupping Therapy?
Dry cupping only uses suction to promote healing, as opposed to wet cupping which involves the combination of suction and skin puncturing. Please note that we only practice dry cupping at this clinic.
What Are the Benefits of Cupping Therapy?
There are many, great benefits of cupping therapy! Cupping promotes healing by improving blood flow, calming the nervous system, and loosening tight muscles. These benefits are therefore very effective in helping relieve pain in the back, neck, shoulders, and legs. This therapy also helps to stop or reduce upper respiratory symptoms, colds and flus, and boost immunity by activating the lymphatic system.
What does Cupping Therapy Do?
Cupping therapy improves the flow of qi and blood to help bring relief to a number of symptoms. The suction created by the cups removes any blockages that were causing stagnation and tension in the body. This therapy is very effective in reducing pain, especially in the neck, back, shoulders, and legs.
Does Cupping Therapy Work?
Yes, cupping therapy improves circulation, relaxes muscles, relieves tension and pain, and also boosts your immune system.
How Does Cupping Therapy Work?
Suction created by the cups draws blood into those areas and makes the muscles relax. When the muscles relax, you’ll feel a release of tension. This improved circulation promotes healing.
What is Cupping Therapy Used For?
Cupping is widely used to manage pain. It is very effective in releasing tension in the back, neck, shoulders, and legs. This therapy also helps to stop or reduce upper respiratory symptoms, colds and flus, and boost immunity by activating the lymphatic system.
Does Cupping Therapy Hurt?
For some people, certain cupping techniques or cupping on certain body parts can be painful. We listen to our patient’s needs and adjust the suction of cups for maximum relief with minimal pain. Some people may experience discomfort after cupping due to bruising or blistering. We always recommend wearing light breathable clothing and avoiding the use of topical ointments or creams until the cupping marks have disappeared.
Why Do Athletes Use Cupping Therapy?
Athletes use cupping therapy to quicken the healing process in their muscles and tissues. Their recovery time is shortened because cupping promotes blood flow, breaks up tension, eases pain, and stimulates the chemical breakdown of toxins in the body. Improved blood flow also gives the immune system a boost.
Cupping Aftercare—What NOT to Do After Cupping Therapy
To get the full benefits of cupping therapy and to avoid any negative side effects, please refrain from the following after your cupping treatment:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Sugary drinks
- Sugar, dairy, or processed meats
- Clothing that does not breathe
- Topicals
- Intense exercise
- Saunas/steam rooms/hot tubs
- Strong air conditioning, cold and windy environments or conditions
Cupping Aftercare—What TO Do After Cupping Therapy
After each cupping treatment it is recommended that you wear loose breathable clothing, drink plenty of water/electrolytes, stay warm, rest, and do not apply any topicals to ensure you get the full benefits of cupping.
How Often Can I Do Cupping Therapy?
The number of cupping sessions recommended varies from patient to patient and depends on the focus of treatment. We will take a detailed history as part of your intake so we can create a treatment plan that helps you reach your health goals.
What To Expect
You can expect to find a partner in your health journey.
At Transformational Acupuncture, we strive to provide a welcoming environment to each and every patient. We understand traditional healthcare can make some wary of seeking help, even if it’s for the betterment of their health. That’s why we take a holistic approach when treating each person. You will be listened to, treated with respect, and be seen as a true partner in your own health journey.
At the beginning of your treatment you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we’ll discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we’ll create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.
Your Patient Journey
At the beginning of your treatment, you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we will discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we will create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.
Learn more about your complete patient journey.
Get Started Today
Begin your holistic health journey by scheduling an appointment today. Schedule online or give us a call at (202) 297-7404.
To learn if your insurance covers acupuncture and other treatments, please fill out our short form to verify your benefits with us.
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