Cupping therapy is a form of manual therapy that we offer at Metro Acupuncture. Cupping is an East Asian medical technique that involves the application of glass cups to specific areas of the body, typically near the upper or lower back. Cupping is also used frequently around the shoulders and neck.

The cups are usually made of thick-walled glass and placed on the skin after creating a vacuum. There are two methods to produce a vacuum: “fire cups,” using a flame that removes air from the cup to form a vacuum, and “air cups,” which involve a mechanical pump drawing air from the cup.

One of the primary purposes of most cupping treatments is to provide pain relief. The suction the cups create causes a focused micro-trauma to the affected area. This results in improved blood flow, decreased musculoskeletal pain, and less inflammation in the affected area. In addition to pain management, cupping therapy is helpful for the treatment of other conditions, including upper respiratory infections and asthma.

Researchers have investigated the benefits of cupping therapy. A systematic review published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences in 2015 examined 550 studies related to cupping therapy. The review suggested that cupping may effectively treat cervical spondylosis.

The symptoms of cervical spondylosis can include:   

Neck Pain: Persistent or intermittent pain in the neck and nearby areas. This pain may radiate down to the shoulders and arms.  

Stiff Neck: A feeling of stiffness or reduced range of motion in the neck, making it difficult and painful to turn the head.  

Headaches: Cervical spondylosis can be associated with headaches, especially at the back of the head.  

Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the muscles of the arms, hands, or legs may occur due to nerve compression.  

Numbness and Tingling: Compression of nerves in the cervical spine can lead to numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in the arms or hands.

Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2019 investigated the effects of cupping therapy on chronic neck pain. The researchers found that combined cupping therapy with conventional treatments led to a more significant reduction in pain intensity and functional disability compared to traditional therapies alone. 

Cupping works! We at Metro Acupuncture have provided pain relief to patients in the Atlanta area using cupping for over 25 years. If you are near our Sandy Springs/Dunwoody office and would like to receive the benefits cupping can provide, schedule an appointment today.