Cupping Therapy

Cupping has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for centuries, along with acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine. Today, cupping has transformed into a modern health technology while still holding on to its ancient roots. It is most sought after by professional athletes, active individuals, and those with pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, back pain, or arthritis.

How Cupping Therapy Works

Although it may seem like a complicated and coordinated therapy, cupping is actually a simple technique that uses basic principles of physics to heal the body.

At the Muscle Doc Method, we use both glass cups for “fire cupping” and manual suction cups. With glass cups, we safely use a flame to create a vacuum in the cup before applying that cup to the skin and muscle. This vacuum lifts the skin, fascia, and superficial muscles to allow for increased circulation in the targeted areas. Manual suction cups work similarly, but a pump is used to create the vacuum rather than a flame.

While the cups are in place, old and stagnant blood is drawn out of the small vessels of the muscles and skin and new blood can flush in. Old blood shows up as red or purple marks on the skin post-cupping and is later cleared by the body. This provides a deep detoxifying effect while also allowing fresh, oxygenated blood to heal and nourish tired, sore muscles.

Hijama Cupping Therapy

Hijama cupping therapy is an ancient medical practice that has helped countless people relieve their long-standing pain, heal from injuries, and restore the body to health. The Muscle Doc Method uses Hijama Cupping Therapy as part of a holistic treatment program for San Diego athletes and anyone suffering from pain or illness.

What is Hijama Cupping Therapy?

Although this therapy is just getting the spotlight it deserves, Hijama cupping dates back over 5,000 years. Similar cupping methods were developed in China around the same time and these practices have been adopted and modernized by practitioners for use today. The Arabic name, “Hajm,” means sucking and “Hijama” can be translated as “drawing out.” This refers to the drawing out of “bad” or “stuck” blood from the body to encourage healing and wellness. During a Hijama treatment, cups are placed on various points of the body (sometimes called Sunnah points). A vacuum is created between the cup and the skin, allowing for muscle tension and pressure to be released. In many cases, Hijama Sunnah cupping or Hijama wet cupping will be performed.

What is Hijama Sunnah Therapy?

This more specific type of Hijama practice focuses on the release and removal of impure blood from the body and is often also called “bleed cupping” or “wet cupping.” Here, tiny pricks are made to the skin, allowing stuck blood to release into the cup. This invigorates healthy circulation and allows fresh blood to flow through the body. It can also refer to a specific timing of the treatment. Those with Muslim faith may choose to come for Hijama on particular Sunnah days of the Islamic month for more targeted healing.

The Problem With “Stuck” Blood

It may seem strange that removing blood from our body can help us feel better. How can our own blood be a source of discomfort or illness? According to Chinese medicine and other holistic medical systems, our blood needs to circulate and flow freely so our organs, muscles, and brain can function properly and without pain.

Unfortunately, injury, lifestyle habits, and other factors can cause our blood to stagnate, coagulate, or move recklessly. Our once healthy blood stops flowing properly and settles in our muscles and joints as a sticky, toxic pathological substance. “Stuck” blood causes pain, reduced range of motion, headaches, stiffness, lethargy, and a host of other potential issues.

The most effective way to remove stuck blood and replenish the body with the healthy, nourishing blood we need is Hijama therapy. With Hijama, we remove the stuck blood in problem areas, promote increased circulation and healing, and encourage new, healthy blood formation.

Benefits of Hijama Therapy

Hijama therapy is most used to remove old, stagnant blood from the body to promote healthy
regeneration and pain relief. While this is most commonly seen in athletic injuries, chronic pain,
stiffness, and other musculoskeletal complaints, Hijama has a wide range of applications and benefits.

Here are the top benefits of Hijama therapy:

Increases circulation
Relieves pain
Reduces inflammation
Removes toxins
Stimulates the immune system
Promotes healthy elimination
Relieves stress and improves mood

Due to the wide range of benefits of Hijama cupping, this therapy can treat a range of conditions.

Here are just a few:

Sports injuries or conditioning
Performance enhancement
Neck, back, or sciatic pain
Frozen shoulder
Knee or foot pain
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Headaches and Migraine
IBS or constipation
Gynecological conditions
Hypertension

Hijama Cupping in San Diego

Are you ready to try Hijama therapy for yourself? Christopher Brenner, L.Ac is a highly-trained and experienced practitioner with a passion for helping you achieve your health goals. Contact The Muscle Doc today for expertly delivered Hijama Cupping in San Diego.