Cupping treatment has become an increasingly popular trend, with Dr. Troy Sing recently being featured in the South China Morning Post for his insights into cupping (Learn more here).
Cupping is effective for treating pain conditions, and there have been multiple research studies covering its efficacy for the treatment of neck pain. If you're interested to learn more about cupping in Traditional Chinese Medicine, visit our cupping page.
Spend the next five minutes reading our article as we dive into three research studies surrounding the efficacy of cupping for neck pain.
Health Wise is a Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture clinic in Hong Kong with over thirty years of experience. We aim to deliver the best Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments in the city. Feel free to contact us today, our friendly staff will be happy to help you make an appointment.
Article Contents:
What is Dry Cupping?
What Is Dry Cupping?
Dry cupping is a non-invasive Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment that can help to resolve muscle pain.
Dry cupping creates a negative pressure inside the cup (often with the use of a flame); the cup is then left on the skin for three to 15 minutes. This type is the most commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine clinics.
The low pressure inside the cup mobilizes the flow of qi and blood around the body through channels known as meridians.
When the brain picks up signals of this minor injury, it triggers the body’s self-healing process, leading to an increase in blood circulation, improved lymphatic flow, and the release of built-up fluid. Cupping may be used in conjunction with acupuncture for even better results.
Dry Cupping For Neck Pain
Neck pain is the second-most prevalent medical condition after depression as a cause of years lived with disability worldwide. It is important to identify effective treatments for this condition. Research suggests that cupping can be an effective solution.
Research Study 1
In a meta-analysis conducted in 2018, researchers completed a systematic review of eighteen randomized controlled trials on cupping as a treatment for neck pain.
The systematic review indicated that cupping was able to reduce neck pain in patients compared with no intervention or control groups. Cupping was also found to be effective as an add-on treatment to supplement existing treatments. In addition, the effects of cupping were also associated with significant improvement in terms of function and quality of life.
Research Study 2
In 2020, a research study published in the Journal of Athletic Training looked into the efficacy of dry cupping for non-specific neck pain. The study measured subjective pain intensity, pain pressure threshold, and subcutaneous hemodynamics for patients who received cupping.
The study found that a single session of dry cupping therapy may be an effective short-term treatment method for immediately reducing pain and increasing oxygenated and total hemoglobin levels in patients with nonspecific neck pain.
Research Study 3
In a separate research study where neck pain was identified as a major public health burden, the researchers aimed to test the efficacy of cupping in patients with neck pain.
The study examined patients with chronic non-specific neck pain who received five cupping massages on a bi-weekly basis compared to a control group. The researchers found significant differences in favor of cupping where it improved pain upon movement, functional disability, the quality-of-life, and mental health. Changes were also found for pressure pain sensitivity at the area of maximum pain. The conclusion from the study was that cupping massage appears to be effective in reducing pain and increasing function and quality of life in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain.
Learn more about cupping treatments at Health Wise, come in for a consultation to find out if this treatment is right for your condition.
Schedule an appointment with us by calling +852 2526 7908 or email info@chinesemed.hk.
Cupping Treatments at Health Wise
Cupping treatments by our certified practitioners are both safe and effective. You can opt for the cupping-only session, or add cupping to your acupuncture session.
The benefits of cupping increase over time, and can yield long-term health benefits. Thank you once again for reading this short article. For inquiries about cupping. you can follow this link to contact us.
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