You may have been wondering about the "bruises" on swimmer Michael Phelps' body during the Summer Olympics. Those were from a procedure called Cupping. Cupping is a therapy where heated glass cups are applied to the skin along the meridians of the body, creating suction as a way of stimulating the flow of energy to decrease pain and inflammation. This procedure often goes hand in hand with acupuncture to successfully treat successfully treats all types of musculoskeletal problems. Watch the video below to learn more.
Dr Zuidema: Ok, so I'm just going to swab the areas where I’m going to be placing the needles. And I’m going to be doing some distal points to release some of that energy trapped in the neck.
I'm going to be placing some cups first in the areas that are affected. These draw in blood into the area which brings rich nutrients. Theoretically, it brings in nutrients to decrease inflammation which decreases pain. You might be left with residual rings but that will go away.
So you'll feel a few little pinches, take a deep breath and relax. Sometimes you'll feel heaviness or a little twitching where the needles are, that's normal.
Are you feeling ok Jess?
Jess: Yes
Dr Zuidema: I'm working on various meridian pathways, like the gallbladder and the urinary bladder; not necessarily a direct relationship to that organ, but they are pathways that go from the feet right up to the head.
Obviously placing a couple in the area that is affected, cervical spine.
And I'll also be placing a heat lamp. Now I know you have been doing this for the last few weeks and you have mentioned that your anxiety levels have also decreased with the treatments right? You're feeling less anxious?
Jess: Yes, less anxiety yes.
Dr Zuidema: This is a TVP lamp. It has a metal plate which has minerals and when heated and absorbed into the body it helps relax the muscles.
I just have two distal points on your ankles and then I'm going to let you rest for about 20 minutes OK Jess?
Jess: Yup
Dr Zuidema: Everything feels OK, needles feel good?
Jess: Yup
Dr Zuidema: OK, enjoy your session.
For more information on cupping and acupuncture, contact Village Family Clinic in Allamuchy, NJ.
