"Cupping at the Clinique Naturelle with Eric Zhao and Mickael LettRME-certified therapists.
What is cupping therapy?
Cupping is a manual technique used in traditional Chinese medicine to circulate vital energy (Qi) and blood. Their use is beneficial for improving blood and lymph circulation, eliminating toxins and releasing muscular tension.
Based on wellness and recovery, this therapeutic approach is accessible to all. It has excellent virtues for athletes and people suffering from chronic or occasional pain.
It is a non-invasive method that can be used in conjunction with other medical or aesthetic treatments.
How are suction cups installed?
Our TCM practitioners use thick glass suction cups (known as fire cups), or hot suction cups. Suction is created by introducing a source of fire into the cup. The therapist inserts the flame inside the suction pad, then quickly places it on the patient's skin, on specific points of the area to be treated. The fire never comes into contact with the patient, but is simply used to clear the air. The degree of suction depends on the speed of application and the heat of the flame.
Depending on the patient's ailments, the therapist may apply suction cups to certain strategic areas of the body.
They are generally placed on acupuncture points along the meridians and on the patient's painful areas.
The vacuum created by the fire draws in skin, muscle and body fluids (lymph, blood), eliminating impurities and toxins.
A normal influx of blood is created on the surface of the skin. Tiny blood vessels open up under the skin, forming a hematoma. Round, bruise-like marks that fade in one or two weeks.
The darker the mark, the greater the stagnation of toxins.
Cupping massages connective tissue, improves vascularization of skin and muscle layers, and relaxes and loosens the painful area.
What are the benefits?
The benefits are numerous, and their application makes it possible:
- Relieve pain and tension in muscles and joints (sprains, lumbago, sciatica, tendonitis, cramps...).
- Accelerate recovery of tired muscles (sports recovery, injuries)
- Boost circulation (tingling)
- Soothe respiratory problems (coughs, asthma, bronchitis...)
- Reduce discomfort (headaches, migraines, stiffness)
- Increase range of motion
- Improve digestive problems (intestine, stomach)
- Fight physical and mental fatigue
- Bring relaxation and well-being
- Strengthen the immune system
- rebalance body and organ energy
- Reduce female discomfort (menstrual pain, menopause)
- Reduce seasonal ailments (allergies, rhinitis)
Although cupping therapy is generally safe, it's important to consult a qualified therapist to make sure it's the right treatment for you.
The benefits of cupping - video
We talk about acupuncture in this article "How can acupuncture support you during pregnancy and postpartum?"
Article by Eric Zhao, traditional Chinese medicine therapist - graduate of the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be hard on body and mind.
Morning sickness, back pain, bloating, stomach upsets, fatigue, stress... discomforts that can quickly become unbearable.
Acupuncture, a branch of Chinese medicine that dates back thousands of years, has proven its worth in relieving the many discomforts experienced by pregnant women, as well as helping them to prepare calmly for childbirth and regain their strength afterwards.
It can also help with miscarriage.