Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) plays a vital role in human fitness and wellness. Many people choose TCM treatment rather than Western medicine for their health issues. Cupping and acupuncture are the primary TCM therapies most people receive to eliminate various health problems.
Cupping is a unique massage therapy that relaxes soft tissues using vacuum suction, unlike other massage therapy that compresses soft tissues. The cup gently sucks to your skin during cupping and lifts underlying soft tissue into the cup.
For most patients, cupping massage is an especially comfortable and relieving sensation. Once suction is done, the cup is usually left in place for about 10-15 minutes while the patient rests.
Cupping and acupuncture therapies are used to treat a wide range of health issues, ease pain and promote the body’s healing ability.
Cupping Combined with Acupuncture
Usually, cupping is combined with acupuncture treatment to reduce several symptoms of different conditions, but it can also be used alone. The suction and opposite pressure exerted by cupping can relax muscles, encourage blood circulation, and calm the nervous system (beneficial for high blood pressure conditions). Cupping and acupuncture are used to relieve neck and back pain, anxiety, muscle stiffness, fatigue, headaches, migraines, cellulite, and even arthritis.
But can be treated with cupping, and acupuncture can also treat two agonizing radiculopathy conditions. These are:
Sciatica and Cervical Radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
Sciatica is caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the body’s largest nerve that contains many smaller nerve endings. Sciatic pain usually radiates from the lower back/lumbar region to the bottom of the leg and can be paralyzing and chronic for those suffering from it.
Symptoms of Sciatica
- Hip pain
- Lower back pain
- Back or leg pain that gets worse with sitting
- Numbness, Weakness, or a hard time moving the leg or foot
- Burning or tingling down the leg
- Severe pain that makes it difficult to stand
- Constant pain on one side of the buttocks
- Swelling or redness in your spine or back
- Fever
- Pain that moves down your legs
- Blood in your pee or burning when you pee
- Loss of bowel control (leaking or not being able to make it to the toilet in time)
- Numbness in the upper thighs, pelvis, legs, or bottom
If you suffer from pain along the sciatic nerve, acupuncture therapy can treat and gradually ease the worsening symptoms of the condition.
Relieving Sciatica Pain with Cupping and Acupuncture
Cupping with acupuncture can be used to make suction or vibrations to aid in detoxifying and healing the body. Getting cupping with acupuncture therapy increases blood circulation, minimizes pressure on the sciatic nerve, eases muscle tightness, and relaxes your muscles.
After cupping, your acupuncturist may insert some needles at specific points or affected areas. If electro-acupuncture is used, you will experience vibrations down the length of the needle. This technique stimulates your body’s natural hormone named endorphins to reduce pain by turning off your natural pain response.
Cervical radiculopathy or pinched nerve is a severe health condition that can be treated with acupuncture for pinched nerves. This condition occurs when too much pressure is placed on the nerve by the surrounding tissues causing pain. The pain indicates that a problem exists somewhere along the nerves. Acupuncture therapy is a traditional treatment that can help get to the root cause of the condition, gently and effectively, to reduce pain without any side effects.
In some cases, Injured, irritated muscles or swollen tendons can also cause pinched nerves. Whatever the cause, acupuncture treatment helps the body and nervous system function at their full potential.
The main symptoms of pinched nerves are:
- Sharp pain, Burning or aching
- Numbness or lack of sensation
- Muscle weakness
- Tingling
If you want an easy and fast recovery from sciatica nerve pain or pinched nerves, you should receive acupuncture or cupping therapy. Contact professional acupuncturists or visit the massage center today to know more about cupping and acupuncture treatment.
