Cupping Therapy
SF & Marin
Dr. Avila is trained in a wide variety of techniques beyond chiropractic including cupping. She uses cupping to address inflammation, tightness, and fibrosis in the fascia.
What is Cupping? | SF
Cupping is an ancient, holistic method for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Though the exact origin is a matter of controversy, its use has been documented in early Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern medical practices. Diverse human civilizations have contributed to the historical development and continuation of cupping therapy.
Currently, this therapy is used for health promotion, prophylaxis and treatment of a variety of diseases around the world. Traditionally an herb, alcohol, or scrap of paper is set fire and a glass jar placed over the flame. As the fire consumes the oxygen in the chamber, negative pressure or a vacuum is created.
This vacuum draws the skin and underlying tissue up into the chamber creating the therapeutic effects. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.
The British Cupping Society says that the therapy is used to treat:
- Blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia
- Rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia
- Fertility and gynecological disorders
- Skin problems such as eczema and acne
- High blood pressure
- Migraines
- Anxiety and depression
- Bronchial congestion caused by allergies and asthma
- Varicose veins
We incorporate this ancient method as an integral part of our approach to many health conditions. Although all of its effects are not yet known, the positive outcomes are often profound.
What types of Cupping do you offer? | Marin
There are a couple of different approaches when it comes to therapeutic cupping. Static cupping is the most common method used. In static cupping, the cups are placed on the skin and left there for a period of time, typically 5-10 minutes. This allows the suction to create a deep massage effect on the underlying tissues. Static cupping is often used to treat pain, muscle tension, and inflammation.
We also do Dynamic cupping which is a more recent variation of the therapy. In this approach, the cups are moved around on the skin, creating a gliding motion. This motion helps to break up adhesions and improve circulation. Dynamic cupping is often used to treat chronic pain, stiffness, and restricted range of motion.
What about Fire Cupping? | Mill Valley
While fire cupping is the original approach, it has a number of drawbacks. First, there is always the risk of burning the client. Second, when using glass jars there is always the risk that one will break. Broken glass on the floor isn’t fun for anyone involved.
We prefer to use vacuum cupping in our practice.With vacuum cupping, a handheld pump is utilized to create suction rather than setting alcohol, paper, or herbs on fire. There is no clear consensus on whether suction or fire cupping is more effective. Both methods have been shown to have benefits, but there is limited research comparing the two.