Under the scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern-day athletics, cupping and acupuncture are two of the more commonly discussed therapies used to heal the body and reduce discomfort. They are both used to treat pain and promote healing but there are differences in how acupuncture and cupping are applied. One may be more appealing than the other depending on personal preferences.
As Black Friday Sale 2022 is coming close, Lierre.ca is offering big discounts on cupping therapy and acupuncture supplies. Here is a quick comparison. These are two very popular categories for athletes, people with chronic health conditions, and individuals who prioritize wellness. In this article, we look at some of the differences between cupping and acupuncture.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture uses very thin needles, or acupuncture needles, inserts them gently into the skin, and creates a healing response in the body.
What Is Cupping?
Cupping uses cups on the body to create suction in strategic areas of the body. It mobilizes circulation and helps to provide a sort of reverse massage, i.e. lifting tissue up as opposed to pressing it down.
Similarities Between Cupping and Acupuncture
- Both originate from Asian medicine, with evidence dating back thousands of years in Chinese and Egyptian texts.
- Both cupping and acupuncture treatments last from 15-30 minutes depending on the patient.
- Both offer similar benefits and are used to treat migraines, pain, high blood pressure, digestion trouble, and even depression.
Differences Between Cupping And Acupuncture
- While acupuncture uses needles to penetrate the skin, cupping uses materials purely on the surface.
- While acupuncture cannot be felt by most patients, with cupping, you do feel the cups’ suction.
- Acupuncture can be modified in some ways, to bring in either heat or electrical pulses to create different effects.
- Cupping can be done dry or wet, using silicone, glass, or bamboo cups.
Can You Combine Cupping With Acupuncture?
Some people do cupping and acupuncture in the same treatment. The suction from cupping loosens muscles and encourages blood flow while sedating the nervous system, and then the acupuncture intensifies the effect. If you never try combining cupping and acupuncture, HACI Magnetic Acupressure Cupping Set is an ideal set for you. With the metal tip inside the cups, it applies a gentle pressure without piercing the skin.
How Often Can You Do Cupping and Acupuncture?
There is no maximum amount of cupping or acupuncture you can do. Most people get it done once weekly but some do once bi-weekly or up to three times a week. Cupping and acupuncture are largely considered safe and pose little risk so long as they are done by an accomplished, certified health professional.
Cupping Or Acupuncture: Which Is More Effective?
Cupping and acupuncture produce a similar benefit to the body. Although more study needs to be done to properly compare acupuncture and cupping, neither is considered more effective than the other.
Come and celebrate the Lierre.ca Black Friday sale with us this year. Check out high-quality acupuncture and cupping supplies on sale at Lierre.ca and see the best Black Friday deals on health and wellness.