Cupping therapy in Atlanta
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.
Research and Cupping
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 therapy is effective! For over 25 years, our practitioners at Metro Acupuncture have successfully used cupping to provide pain relief to patients in the Atlanta area. If you’re searching for ‘cupping near me‘ in the Sandy Springs/Dunwoody area, you may have questions like ‘how much does cupping in Atlanta cost?’ ‘Does cupping hurt?’ ‘Can cupping help me?’ We can answer all those questions for you, so if you live in the Atlanta area and want to know more about it, feel free to contact our office. We’d be glad to help you. Schedule an appointment today.
FAQs
How much does cupping therapy cost? Initial appointments with Mark Lewinter, DACM, L.Ac, and Andrea Lewinter, D.Ac, L.Ac. are $189.00. The appointment includes a consultation and an acupuncture treatment. Follow-up appointments are $139.00. Initial appointments with Laura Bowman, MD, are $205.00. The appointment includes a consultation and an acupuncture treatment. Follow-up appointments are $159.00.
How long have you offered cupping? Our Atlanta acupuncture clinic has been providing cupping services since 1998.
Why do I have circular marks on my skin after cupping? Circular marks on the skin after cupping are caused by the suction of the cups, which increases blood flow to the surface vessels. The marks are not bruises but a result of ruptured capillaries beneath the skin, creating temporary discoloration. This indicates improved circulation, reduced muscle tension, and the release of toxins. The marks typically fade within a few days to a week.