Overview

Have you recently experienced sudden knee or neck pain? Or have you been in pain for quite some time and are ready to get back to feeling better? Cupping therapy with us might just be what you need for overall wellness. Here's everything you need to know about cupping for functional medicine.

What is Cupping?

Cupping therapy is a popular form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that dates as far back to ancient Egypt. It involves the use of suction to restore the flow of Qi through the body. There are two forms of cupping that can be used:

• dry cupping—is non-invasive using glass, ceramic, plastic, or bamboo cups
• wet cupping—involves piercing the skin to increase the blood flow before adding the cup to the skin

Trained providers known as TCM practitioners or acupuncturists perform cupping; it can sometimes be done in addition to acupuncture or massage.

What Are the Benefits of Cupping?

There are multiple benefits to undergoing cupping therapy. As we've already mentioned, cupping does not involve narcotics and is typically non-invasive. Patients that undergo cupping can return to their daily routine after the session, and most feel a noticeable difference after just one session.

Cupping therapy is a form of functional medicine that can be used to treat a variety of diseases or illnesses, including:

• chronic back and neck pain
• migraines
• knee pain due to osteoarthritis
• enhancing immune function
• asthma
• symptoms of the flu
• muscle pain
• gastrointestinal illnesses
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• stress and anxiety

What to Expect During a Cupping Session

If you've never had a cupping therapy session before, you might be wondering what to expect during your first appointment. A certified practitioner at Emanuel Kontos, DMD will begin by asking you a comprehensive set of questions to determine your current health, including any pain symptoms you may be experiencing.

During the actual appointment, which can last anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes, you'll lay comfortably on your stomach on a padded table. Depending on your symptoms, your practitioner will apply cups to various parts of your back.

You may feel slight pressure during cupping therapy and expect to see red cup marks on your skin that may sometimes be sensitive to touch. Most patients report an immediate feeling of relaxation after treatment and come back for more to maintain their levels of wellness.

For more information about cupping contact Emanuel Kontos, DMD at (727) 939-2099.