How Cupping Can Maximize the Effects of Your Acupuncture Treatment

Cupping therapy, a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dates back millennia. In the modern era, its numerous health benefits make cupping an increasingly popular treatment, particularly among athletes.

Combined with acupuncture, cupping can take your treatment experience to new heights. At Twin Acupuncture in Staten Island, New York, Kerri Kuhlsen, Lac, cSMA, offers these two time-honored healing techniques that work together to reduce pain, promote healing, and improve your overall wellness.

Curious about those distinctive circular marks you’ve seen on pro athletes and celebrities? This month’s blog covers the benefits of cupping therapy and how it can help you maximize the effects of your acupuncture treatment.

Understanding cupping therapy

Cupping gently lifts the skin using suction, increasing blood flow to the area and loosening tight muscles and connective tissue. This process aids in alleviating chronic pain and acute pain, relaxing the nervous system, and eliminating toxins.

In ancient China, animal horns were used as the original cupping tools. Today, Kerri uses plastic cups to create suction on targeted areas of your body. She may either keep the cups stationary throughout the treatment or gently glide them over the affected area, depending on your needs. 

Following your session, you may notice the round, reddish, telltale marks of cupping therapy. This is a natural, common side effect, and the bruising should fade within a week, depending on factors such as your skin tone and sensitivity.

Cupping and acupuncture: A dynamic duo

While cupping gently draws blood and energy toward the surface over larger areas of skin, acupuncture stimulates nerves, muscles, and connective tissue by targeting specific points on the body. When pairing cupping with acupuncture, the two treatments complement each other, maximizing the effects of both by:

Enhancing circulation

Both practices improve circulation to the targeted area, delivering vital nutrients and oxygen to healing tissues. Enhanced blood flow helps nourish cells, remove waste products, and accelerate the recovery process.

Reducing inflammation

The combination of suction and needle stimulation helps alleviate swelling and pain. Reduced inflammation and discomfort promote a speedy recovery from injuries and illnesses.

Soothing your mental state

Acupuncture and cupping can both induce a state of deep relaxation, soothing worry, stress, and anxiety. Reducing stress may lower blood pressure, improve your sleep quality, and boost your mood.

If you’d like to experience this powerful, holistic approach to wellness, book a consultation with Kerri at Twin Acupuncture today to discuss your specific needs and goals.