Effects of Cupping Therapy
The effect of this therapy can be classified into two categories: the general (purification of blood, improvement of circulatory functions of blood and lymph, regulation and betterment of automatic nervous system, etc.) and the local (removal of pain, relaxation of stiff muscles, etc.). The former effects, that is, effects upon the bodily tissues and organs, are as follows:
1.
Effects upon the skin
2.
Effects upon muscles
3.
Effects upon joints
4.
Effects upon the digestive organs
Most
patients feel hungry after the Cupping therapy on the stomach region. As the
digestive organs, especially Spleen and Stomach, looked upon as the ‘engine’ of
the human body are regarded as the most important; and the treatment of the Middle Jiao is considered equally
important. In other words, as the natural healing power of the body derives its
energies mainly from the digestive organs, a great emphasis is laid on the
treatment of the stomach, spleen and intestines. The pulling power of low
pressure upon the belly stimulates the inside of the organs, their peristaltic
movement and secretion of digestive fluids, and strengthens thereby the power
of digestion and absorption of nourishment as well as the power of secretion.
Therefore, this therapy has remarkable effects upon chronic gastroenteritis
disorders and the constipation as a whole.
General Effects of Cupping Therapy
Purification of Blood
Among the general effects, the most important is the
effect upon the circulatory system. Professor Kentaro Takagi of Nagoya
University says that the skin-stimulating therapies are significant in that
they awaken the greatest responses in the circulatory system. His remarks were
not necessarily directed towards cupping therapy, but I think it has much in
common with the skin-stimulating therapies he mentioned. Owing to the pull of
low pressure, the flow of blood in the arteries and veins increases, although
in the case of the latter, localized spots of congested blood appear and then
disappear. It is possible to ease the interruption of blood circulation and
congestion and to stop the inflammatory extravasation (escaping of bodily
fluids such as blood) from the tissues. Therefore, facilitation of the flow of
blood is the most important characteristic of this therapy. It is very
beneficial for hardened arteries, stiff shoulders, etc.
Effects on the Nervous
System
Cupping
therapy stimulates the sensory nerves of the skin.
As
demonstrated in a clinical experiment conducted at Kobe University, the
inhibitory effects on hypersensitive pain are not limited to the area of direct
treatment, but include the areas controlled by the relevant nerves. Treatment
on the back is mainly directed to the central line (spinal nerves and
parasympathetic nerves) and the sympathetic nerves beside it. The stimulation
of these has, it can be said, a good influence not only on the automatic
nervous system itself but also on various organs under its control.
Cupping
therapy is, like massage, effective against the so-called syndrome of general
malaise, such as chronic headaches, dizziness, languor, stiff shoulders,
fatigue, etc. These are said to derive from anxiety, worry and bodily pain. It
is also effective against endogenous chronic diseases such as high blood
pressure, neuralgia and rheumatism. During treatment with this therapy on the
back or the loins, for example, some middle-aged or elderly patients fall
asleep, snoring loudly. This clearly shows one of the effects upon the nervous
system. The mechanism of its effectiveness will be clarified some day. Thus the
general and localized effects of this therapy strengthen the healing power
against diseases and, together with a healthy diet and psychotherapy, cure or
prevent disease completely.
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