By Louise Smith, R.Ac

Back pain is a common physical complaint seen by many Healthcare Practitioners. From upper back, neck and shoulder tension, to mid and low back aches and pains, or sciatica, the back is one of the most notable regions of the body for receiving different types of therapies and medical attention. Whether the cause of pain is due to physical stress, mental or emotional stress, all can have a negative impact on the health of your back and overall well-being.

Therapeutic Cupping is an ancient healing therapy that has been used for thousands of years among many cultures, specifically in Chinese culture. Cupping has long been recognized as a beneficial modality within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and still practiced today by acupuncturists and TCM practitioners. In recent years it has gained more popularity with other healthcare providers, especially for its potential benefits for relieving muscular tension and back pain.

The practice of cupping involves placing suctioned cups on the surface of the body to lift the skin and underlying tissues up into the cup. This negative pressure from the applied suction cups helps to promote circulation of Qi, blood and body fluids (lymph), reduce stagnation (inflammation), pain, and improve overall health.

There are different types of cupping techniques practiced depending on the health condition. For the back, the most popular are Stationary and Sliding. The Stationary technique involves suctioned cups staying static on the back for a period of time, often 3 to 10 minutes depending on a person’s constitution. Stationary cups target the deeper layers of tissue, creating a deeper penetration over the specific area of concern. In Sliding cupping, the suctioned cups glide along the surface of the back using slow and/or fast movements. The slower pace feels soothing and sedating, while the faster pace more stimulating. Sliding cups address the superficial areas of tissue down to the deep tissue layers depending on the suction pressure applied.

Cupping therapy can offer several benefits when applied to the back:

  • Relief from pain – The suction created by the cups helps to alleviate muscle tension, aches and pain by promoting blood flow to the affected area and reducing inflammation (stagnation).
  • Improve circulation – By drawing blood to the surface of the skin, cupping therapy improves circulation which can benefit the healing process and reduce muscle soreness.
  • Enhance mobility – Cupping can improve the range of motion (ROM) in the upper back and low back by loosening tight muscles and promoting flexibility.
  • Benefit posture – By targeting the tight muscles in the back, cupping may benefit posture and reduce the strain caused by poor alignment.
  • Stress reduction – The relaxing effect of cupping therapy can help reduce stress and tension that often accumulates in the upper back, neck and shoulders as well as the low back muscles
  • Relaxation – Cupping therapy promotes relaxation and a sense of well-being by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
  • Reduction of sciatica symptoms – Gentle cupping may help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with sciatica by targeting the muscles and nerves of the lower back.

If you suffer from acute or chronic back pain or upper back, neck and shoulder tension consider the healing benefits of Cupping Therapy at Innate Wellness.