Cupping and Gua Sha Massage Therapy for Chiropractic Care
If you’re looking for a natural or alternative therapy to help your soft tissues, either cupping or gua sha may be for you. Both therapies use special tools in their practices. The first mention of cupping or suction therapy goes back to 300 BC. Gua sha was documented in medical records during the Ming Dynasty.
Gua sha is used by our chiropractors and massage therapists to treat chronic pain caused by inflammation. Cupping works to pull the soft tissues of your body up to loosen up tension and adhesions.
For those looking to add some holistic treatments into their wellness routines, gua sha or cupping would be effective in treating chronic pain.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is used in traditional Eastern Asian medicine. Its goal is to move energy, or chi, around your body. A chiropractor will use a handheld tool to rub your skin in long strokes while applying a slight amount of pressure that causes minor bruising. It can help break down connective and scar tissue while improving movement in your joints.
People with musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and tendon strain may benefit from gua sha.
What is Cupping?
In cupping, cups are placed on your skin, creating suction. The cups can be held in one place on the skin or slide along in a technique called “dynamic” or “gliding.” The suction on your body shouldn’t be painful and is instead therapeutic and relaxing. Other than loosening up muscles in your body, cupping also:
- Relieves pain
- Stimulates blood flow
- Reduces stress
- Increases range of motion
- Allows detox and drainage
Incorporating the practice of cupping into your massage therapy routine can help reduce anxiety, migraines, and fatigue. What can be off-putting about cupping are the marks left behind after the practice. Those marks are not painful bruises. They are caused by fluids, toxins, and stagnant blood being pulled out of areas of compromised circulation or injury.
Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy at Merivale Chiropractic
Gua sha and cupping can be added treatment by one of our highly trained professionals at Merivale Chiropractic and Massage Clinic. Circulation will improve in your body, flushing out any toxic fluids. Massage therapy and alternative treatments work in tandem to aid in your recovery, decreasing your pain and stress.
Contact our office today for more information on cupping or gua sha.
Posted In:
Chiropractic
Massage Therapy
