Bleeding cupping therapy, a traditional practice deeply rooted in Chinese medicine, offers a unique approach to health and well-being. According to Chinese medicine principles, this therapy is believed to regulate the flow of vital energy, or Qi, and blood within the body's meridians, promoting harmony and balance. By creating a controlled vacuum within the cups and making small pricks with a sterile lancet, stagnation, excess heat, and impurities can be released, facilitating the body's natural detoxification processes. This therapy's potential benefits encompass pain relief, the elimination of harmful substances, and the restoration of Yin-Yang balance, contributing to overall health and vitality.
Wait, you're telling me if you bleed me I'll feel better!?
Traditional Chinese medicine theory suggests that where there is stagnation, there is pain. Bleeding cupping, or commonly known as wet cupping, is believed to help remove this stagnation by drawing out the “stuck” blood, or stasis, thus making way for newer blood to circulate and help reduce pain significantly. A randomized controlled clinical trial study reported that bleeding
cupping was effective for reducing persistent lower back pain (PMID: 27557333). A subsequent meta-analysis revealed significantly improved quality of life and reduced back pain and migraines with bleeding cupping therapy (PMID: 33833822). If you feel that no other therapies have worked and you have been dealing with consistent pain that keeps coming back, this treatment might be right for you.
What is the process?
The area is massaged with gua sha or moving cupping to bring blood flow to the area. The “Sha” we are looking for, or the darker spots/capillaries, show us where there is more stagnation in the body. The area is disinfected and a sterile lancet is quickly pricked a few times over the area (2-5x). Then, a suction cup will be placed over the area, drawing out the blood. Your practitioner will be wearing disposable gloves and clean needle techniques and other safety precautions will be followed at all times. If you think you will benefit from this treatment, please book an initial consultation with me to see if it’s right for you. A light meal is advised prior to this treatment since it is considered more of a draining technique. Plan your day so that you will be able to rest and avoid heavy exercise.
It is important to see a qualified professional TCM practitioner/acupuncturist if you are considering this therapy.
If you're interested in booking a visit with me, I offer stand-alone fire cupping treatments for initial and subsequent treatments, click the button below.
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