In the Western World, healthcare costs have begun to skyrocket and lists of prescription side effects have only grown larger. In response to our often disappointing medical services many have begun to turn to alternative medicine, thus the practice of traditional Chinese medicine has skyrocketed over past years. Things like Cupping and Acupuncture has grown in popularity due to the natural and holistic approach that these techniques provide when addressing multifaceted health concerns.
While these techniques are very different from our “traditional” western treatments, they just the same have had huge impacts on millions of lives for over 3000 years. The only problem is that with the rise in popularity of Chinese medicine, it has become hard to distinguish what technique would be the best for you. Two of the most popular alternative practices today are Cupping and Acupuncture, but in order to choose the best one it’s important to understand Chinese Medicine and the differences between the two techniques.
Chinese Medicine
According to traditional Chinese Medicine, the body is made up of a series of Meridians, or passageways, that transport Qi throughout the body. The concept of Qi is similar to a “circulating life force.” This concept has shown up under different names all over the world from Native American to Greek Ideology, and having an imbalance or lack of Qi is considered to be the root of all illness.
Much of Chinese medicine, therefore, works to correct the balance of one’s Qi in an effort to restore the person to their body’s natural state of homeostasis and health. Ancient Chinese techniques have been shown to aid numerous illnesses such as excessive stress and pain and has even been shown to help increase fertility. With Chinese Medicines myriad of benefits, the only thing left to consider is which technique will work best for you.
Cupping
While both Cupping and Acupuncture serve to relieve illness by promoting body balance and blood flow, the methods differ in significant ways. Cupping is most commonly used by people dealing with pain and is usually performed using suctioned glass jars on the skin. This raises the skin for the purpose of increasing blood flow, but the process often causes circular bruising from expanding blood vessels as the cups rise.
One variation called “wet cupping” calls for a sterile scalpel to be used on the skin so that some blood is drawn into the suction cups. The treatment usually leaves behind red marks and isn’t suggested for those who bleed easily, are pregnant, or those needing treatments on bony areas.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a noninvasive medical technique that is used to diagnose and treat a whole range of issues, making it one of the most holistic treatments available. Acupuncture is done through placing extremely fine, sterile needles on specific meridian passageways that help correct the imbalanced energy flow within the patient.
On specific points of the body where energy is stagnated, an acupuncturist will place those fine needles allowing blood flow to be increased. The extreme slimness of the needles results in most patients not even feeling them, but rather they experience feelings of relaxation and calm. Unlike cupping, the treatment does not result in bruising or bleeding.
Overall, both of these treatments will contribute to your health and well being through returning your body to complete balance. In general, Acupuncture is usually the preferred choice due to the complete lack of side effects and more broad range of benefits. Acupuncture can have huge immediate and long term impacts on your health and happiness.
It is an investment that will help you feel your best and most balanced. While the effects of Acupuncture are unmistakable, finding the right acupuncturist is important. At Best Acupuncture, we have a team of licensed professionals that have undergone extensive and comprehensive training at nationally certified schools. Visit our site to learn more about What We Treat and start your journey of health today!