Acupuncture and cupping therapy for muscle recovery: What are they? And how do they work?
Are you busy training for a marathon or just looking to get back into shape for the golf and tennis seasons? Either way, you probably don’t have time to deal with strained muscles. Enter acupuncture and cupping. Two ancient Chinese treatments, acupuncture and cupping, are alternative, drug-free therapies that can speed the healing of sore and tired muscles.
The benefits of acupuncture
Acupuncture works by inserting tiny, painless needles into ‘acupuncture points’ to activate your central nervous system. This process releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain which stimulate the body's natural healing abilities to promote physical and emotional well-being.
Tight muscles that may be overused from training can be relaxed with acupuncture therapy, easing muscle tension in the area most directly related to your pain, as well as relaxing any muscles that were working harder to support the original source of stiffness.
The benefits of cupping
Cupping uses small cups to expand capillaries and increase the amount of fluid entering and leaving tissues. This is done through a vacuum seal, which is created through the use of flame to draw out the oxygen in the cups before placing them on your back. Don’t worry, it’s a painless procedure!
Cupping aids sore muscles by increasing the blood flow to speed up recovery, often shortening recovery time and optimizing training by delivering essential nutrients to hard-working areas.
How often can you receive treatment?
Practitioners may combine both acupuncture and cupping to aid in a speedy recovery. In this scenario, needles are applied first and then the cups are placed to create suction. The dual benefits increase blood flow and therefore healing.
Because both therapies are non-invasive, patients can receive them as often as two to three times a week.
Call 604-535-7705 or head online to book your appointment with our Registered Acupuncturist, Christopher Turpin, today.
