Dangers of Cupping: Why Choosing an Experienced Practitioner Matters
- Jackie Koenig, L.Ac.
- Mar 13
- 4 min read
Learn the potential dangers of cupping and how combining cupping with acupuncture can boost results!
Cupping therapy is having a moment!
While this therapy has been around for thousands of years, many people were first introduced to the concept after wondering about the odd circle "bruises" that appeared on the backs of Olympic athletes a few years ago. Cupping can have lots of benefits, however, it is very important to find an experienced practitioner before you book your first cupping session. Want to know why? Let's dive in!
First, What Is Cupping?
Cupping is an age-old therapeutic method that involves applying suction to the skin. When a vacuum effect is created inside of the cup, the skin and underlying tissues are lifted into the empty space. Not only does the treatment feel good in the moment, its lasting effects can help to foster healing and improve health.
What Could Cupping Help With?
chronic pain, muscle soreness, fibromyalgia, arthritis, TMJ
respiratory and immunity issues
headaches and migraines
recovery from old injuries (like issues from a car accident or past sports injury)
chronic stress, anxiety
detoxing, especially after years of pharmaceutical or drug use
What Practitioners Often Perform Cupping?
Cupping was traditionally done by acupuncturists and practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a flame and glass cups. Since newer tools have come on the market (like plastic and silicone cups) and make cupping easier, a wide range of practitioners now offer this therapy including:
Massage Therapists
Physiotherapists
Sports Therapists
Nurses and Doctors
...and as always, Acupuncturists!
What Are the Dangers of Cupping?
In order to avoid many of the dangers of cupping, you need to find a practitioner who received proper training, is qualified to perform the therapy, and ideally has years of experience. If done improperly, cupping has the potential to hurt you and could make the issues you are seeking to heal even worse!
If done improperly, the dangers of cupping could include:
Dislocations, slipped spinal discs, and herniations
Severe local swelling, especially on patients with cardiac failure, renal failure, or ascites
Aggravation of psoriasis, eczema, shingles, or hives if cupping is done on an affected area
Burns from fire cupping, ranging from mild to severe
Why You Should Choose An Acupuncturist for Cupping
Acupuncturists learn cupping during their 4 year graduate school program as a part of their official training. After observing teachers/doctors of Chinese Medicine perform cupping on patients for several semesters, they then practice their technique for countless hours in student clinic while being observed by their supervisors.
Not only will you know your acupuncturist was trained properly and has years of experience upon graduating, the best results come when combining cupping therapy with acupuncture!
Combined Benefits of Cupping WITH Acupuncture
Acupuncture and cupping are two traditional therapeutic practices that can complement each other to enhance overall health and wellness. This combo treatment can have many benefits, including:
1. Enhanced Pain Relief
Both acupuncture and cupping are known for alleviating various types of pain. When used together, they could provide more significant pain relief by addressing underlying issues from multiple perspectives.
2. Improved Circulation
Cupping increases blood flow to specific areas of the body, while acupuncture can stimulate the body's overall flow of qi and blood. Together, they can enhance circulation, promoting a better delivery of oxygen, immune cells, and essential nutrients to healing tissues.
3. Relaxation
The combination of acupuncture's calming effects and the soothing nature of cupping can lead to an even deeper level of rest and relaxation. Together they could help reduce stress and anxiety levels and promote better sleep in the days after treatment.
4. Detoxification
Cupping can help pull up deep toxins from the body and acupuncture can supports the body's natural detoxification processes, especially if using Liver channel acupuncture points.
5. Boosted Immune Function
Both therapies can stimulate the immune system. Acupuncture and cupping can reduce inflammation and swelling and ignite the body's healing capabilities, allowing for the internal immune response to do its job more effectively.
6. Enhanced Recovery
For those recovering from new or old injuries, the combination of acupuncture and cupping can speed up recovery times by increasing blood flow and reducing tension.
7. Other Holistic Health Improvements
Using both therapies together allows for a more synergistic, holistic approach to health. This combo can address not just physical symptoms, but also emotional and mental aspects of health as well. Your acupuncturist is a wealth of knowledge from their years of training. Tap into this resource and see how cupping and acupuncture can help you heal today!
Ready to Book Your Acupuncture-Cupping Combo Treatment?
If you're in the New Orleans, Louisiana area, check out our availability at Hidden Root Acupuncture and schedule your first treatment here!
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