Pain conditions are becoming increasingly common. Chronic pain can affect a person’s mobility and overall quality of life. There are several pain medications that promise instant and long-term pain relief, but unfortunately, many over-the-counter and prescription pain medicines can have debilitating side effects. People who want to avoid common drug side effects, turn to different forms of alternative medicine such as acupuncture and cupping therapy to manage their condition.
Root and Stem Clinic offers a wide range of therapeutic services to help patients relieve pain and stress to promote whole-body wellness. Of our services, many clients choose acupuncture therapy or cupping therapy, to aid with chronic pain. A common question often asked when deciding between these two pain management services is, “what’s the difference?”
Our licensed practitioners have spent years differentiating the two services for our clients, and so they have compiled their answers to help you as a reader define and direct your decision as to what is the best therapy for your wellness.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a 3,000-year-old Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapy. Qi-pronounced (chi), is the life force present in every living being. When Qi becomes blocked, illnesses occur. Acupuncture involves inserting needles through the skin at strategic points, known as acupoints, to heal energy blocks.
TCM experts use acupuncture to treat everything from headaches to chronic pain and infertility. There are several benefits of acupuncture. It is drug-free, and can hence reduce dependence on pain medications. When performed by an expert, acupuncture is quite safe.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture for pain relief works by stimulating the brain to produce endorphins and other feel-good hormones that improve mood and reduce pain perception. It helps lower cortisol levels, removes toxins from the body, and promotes blood flow to the affected area. The blood flow to the area contains nutrients and oxygen. As a result, nutrient-rich blood helps with tissue repair.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction for pain relief. It is a part of several ancient healing systems. TCM proponents believe that cupping restores the flow of qi. It gets the blood moving to the area where cups are placed and can also help reduce pain.
Studies show that cupping may relieve muscle tension, improve overall blood flow and facilitate cell repair. Many healthcare experts are of the opinion that cupping can help build new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in tissues.
How Does Cupping Work?
Suction from cupping draws blood into the area where cups are placed. The suction force expands, breaking open tiny blood vessels or capillaries. The body treats these microtraumas as injuries and sends more blood to the area being treated. This speeds up the healing process.
Should I use Cupping Therapy or Acupuncture?
Both cupping and acupuncture can improve skin health, treat digestion problems, and relieve pain caused by an injury or a health condition. Cupping and acupuncture can also help improve the effects of mental illnesses like anxiety, and depression.
Both acupuncture and cupping can be used as standalone therapies. Many healthcare experts combine acupuncture with cupping in one treatment. Such treatment plans combine the benefits of both therapies.
Root & Stem is the best acupuncture clinic near you in Oakland. We use the healing power of acupuncture to treat different health conditions. To make an appointment, book your session online today.