Cupping Therapy for Neck Pain and Inflammation

Cupping is one of the oldest methods of traditional Chinese medicine. In fact the earliest recorded use of it dates back to the early fourth century. In that day practitioners would use hallowed-out animal horns for cups and place them over particular points or meridians. Today they use thick glass or plastic which allow the acupuncturist to see the skin and evaluate the treatment. This is certainly my first try at this treatment for my neck pain and my physiotherapist explained to me how I would feel and how it would work. As I had previously had success with pain using acupuncture she felt this was well worth trying. Basically it works by creating a local suction to your skin. This then pulls the skin upward on the inside of the glass. It is believed that this then opens up the skin's pores, which then help to stimulate the flow of blood, balance and realigns the flow of qi and break up swellings and help toxins to be drawn out of the body. The Chinese used it primarily to treat respiratory conditions, and also for arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders and other types of pain and others use it to treat depression and reduce swelling. She explained that I may have a few blood blisters, (which I haven't) and that it might be uncomfortable (which is was) but I felt it has to hurt to work. My next treatment is in two weeks time and I have been told to keep a diary of the effects from it, good or bad. So far since my treatment this morning I have had no change in pain relief but it felt warm for a couple of hours afterwards.