What is Modern Cupping Therapy?

Modern Cupping Therapy is a form of alternative therapy that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves the use of cups made of glass, silicone, or plastic that are placed on the skin to create suction. This suction is believed to increase blood flow to the area and promote healing.

Cupping therapy has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, and its modern iteration has evolved to become a non-invasive and safe therapy.

Here's what you need to know about this popular alternative therapy:

How does Modern Cupping Therapy work?

During a cupping session, a therapist places cups on the skin and creates suction. The suction is created using a handheld pump. Once the cups are in place, they are left on the skin for several minutes before being removed. Sometimes, they are moved in a very specific pattern or sequence depending on the desired effect.

The suction created by the cups is believed to stimulate blood flow to the area and promote healing. It can also help to relax the muscles, reduce pain, and improve overall circulation.

What conditions can Modern Cupping Therapy help with?

It can be used to help many different conditions including, but not limited to, those listed below:

• Back pain

• Neck pain

• Shoulder pain

• Knee pain

• Migraines

• Arthritis

• Fibromyalgia

• Lymphedema

Is Modern Cupping Therapy safe?

Yes! It is generally safe when performed by a qualified healthcare professional. Minor side effects may include mild discomfort, bruising, or skin irritation. It is important to seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional before using cupping therapy.

Conclusion

Modern Cupping Therapy is a popular alternative therapy that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves the use of cups placed on the skin to create suction, which is believed to stimulate blood flow and promote healing. The therapy is generally safe when performed by a qualified healthcare professional and can help with a variety of conditions. However, it should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment. If you are interested in trying Modern Cupping Therapy, call today and we can chat further to determine if cupping is right for you and how to work it into your treatment program.

References:

1. Wang, Sz., Lu, Yh., Wu, M. et al. Cupping Therapy for Diseases: An Overview of Scientific Evidence from 2009 to 2019. Chin. J. Integr. Med. 27, 394–400 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-020-3060-y

2. Mohamed, Ayman A., Zhang, Xueyan, and Jan, Yih-Kuen. ‘Evidence-based and Adverse-effects Analyses of Cupping Therapy in Musculoskeletal and Sports Rehabilitation: A Systematic and Evidence-based Review’. 1 Jan. 2023 : 3 – 19.

Benefits of Diaphragmatic Breathing

Kelsey Hinkley, DPT

We tend to underestimate the power of breathing! Breathing is an automatic response we typically do without thinking about it. However, breathing and how we breathe has shown to be extremely important.

There are many benefits specifically to diaphragmatic breathing. Some include but are not limited to:

·        Lowering cortisone (the body’s stress hormone) to help your body relax (6)

·        Lowering the body’s heart rate

·        Lowering blood pressure

·        Reducing gastric reflux by applying pressure to the esophagus (4)

·        Increasing sustained attention (6)

·        Reducing swelling and improving efficiency of the lymphatic system (1)

The diaphragm is an upside down U-shaped, skeletal muscle that separates our chest from the abdominal cavity. When we inhale, the diaphragm contracts pulling down and flattening. This helps create a vacuum effect to pull air into our lungs. When we exhale, the diaphragm relaxes back into that U shape, helping to push air out of the lungs. (4,5)  The more air we bring into our body, the better we can oxygenate our blood.

Here is a link to a video tutorial that provides a 3-D view of the diaphragm during diaphragmatic breathing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp-gCvW8PRY

If we are stressed or have cardiopulmonary issues, we tend to be shallow breathers and use accessory muscles in our necks rather than our diaphragm.  This could lead to muscle imbalance, tension, headaches, decreased oxygen levels, and pain. The more we perform diaphragmatic breathing, the more optimally we function. If we do not breathe like this naturally, it is important to practice this type of breathing. The more we practice, the more efficient and more automatic this type of breathing becomes.

How to Perform Diaphragmatic Breathing (3):

1.      Lie on your back with your knees bent and your back flat

2.      Place your hands on your stomach (A.) or place one hand on your stomach and one on your chest (B.) and concentrate on your breathing

3.      Inhale while expanding your stomach with minimal to no trunk or chest movement

4.      Then exhale without forcing.

5.      There should be a short pause after each exhale before the next inhale.

According to the Cleveland Clinic website, it is recommended to initially practice diaphragmatic breathing exercises 5-10 minutes about 3-4 times per day. (2) If no dizziness or discomfort is noted, gradually increase the length of time as desired.

I hope that after reading the benefits of diaphragmatic breathing, you will take the last 5-10 minutes of your busy day to perform this type of deep, relaxed breathing. You may be amazed how it may benefit your daily life.  Remember, we all get stressed and overwhelmed in life, however, it is how we overcome and deal with these emotions that matter.

Citation:

1.      Abu-Hijleh MF, Habbal OA, Moqattash ST. The role of the diaphragm in lymphatic absorption from the peritoneal cavity. J Anat. 1995;186 (Pt 3):453-467.

2.      Diaphragmatic Breathing. Cleveland Clinic website. Updated September 14, 2018. Accessed December 27, 2020. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9445-diaphragmatic-breathing

3.      Diaphragmatic Breathing. Physiotec Website. Copyright 1996 to 2020. Accessed December 27, 2020. https://hep.physiotec.ca/

4.      Drake R, Vogel A, Mitchell A. Gray’s Anatomy for Students. 2nd ed. Churchill Livingstone, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.; 2010.

5.      Hadjiliadis D, Harron P, Zieve D.  Diaphragm and lungs. National Library of Medicine: Medline Plus. Updated May 16, 2019. Accessed December 5, 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/19380.htm

6.      Ma X, Yue ZQ, Gong ZQ, et al. The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Attention, Negative Affect and Stress in Healthy Adults. Front Psychol. 2017;8:874. Published 2017 Jun 6.doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00874