acupuncture and cupping

Yesterday I went to an acupuncture treatment for my back. It was my very first time to try acupuncture and I was nervous but glad I went. The appointment lasted about 2 hours. The first hour was spent getting a very detailed medical history as well as detailing exacting what was going on with my back like my symptoms and what made it feel better and worse. The doctor also spent about 15-20 minutes evaluating me and watching me walk, lie down and do certain movements. She then proceeded with her recommended course of action. She told me she would be doing some acupuncture as well as some cupping therapy.

What is cupping? Cupping is an ancient Chinese method of causing local congestion. A partial  vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This draws up the underlying tissues. When the cup is left in place on the skin  for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place. Cupping therapy has been further developed as a means to open the ‘Meridians’  of the body. Meridians are the conduits in the body through which energy flows to every part of the body and through every organ and tissue. There are five meridians on the back that, when opened, allow invigorating energy to travel the whole length of the body. It has been found that cupping is probably the best way of opening those meridians.

So I had several needles put into my hands, ankles, backs of my knees and all down my spinal column. I didn’t feel them. I felt a small tingle in some of the insertion points and some general pressure down my spinal column but it wasn’t uncomfortable and I never actually felt the needles going in or being removed.

The cupping was a different story. She used small cups that were suctioned onto my back. I definitely felt some pressure but it was one of those experiences that hurt really good. When she actually released the cups I was like no not yet! ha! But I can’t say that the results weren’t pretty. It brings the blood up to the surface and causes back hickies (the professional term I am using).

I have another appointment for next Wednesday and hopefully after a few treatments I am starting to get some relief. I am not sure what I’ve done but I am willing to do whatever I need to! They also prescribed me a herb called Garden Flower to help. Once we get this back thing cleared up (power of positive thinking) I am hoping to explore acupuncture in connection with hypothyroidism and fertility to see if that helps me. I really liked the acupuncturist and am excited to see where this can potentially lead.

Have you ever heard of cupping?