Cupping has been used as an alternative therapy that’s been in practice for over 3,000 years.
A recent study noted it can help with a variety of pains, and even shingles, coughs, acne, and even lumbar disc herniation. So if you’re in the Tampa Bay and suffering from an illness or injury this might be a treatment for you.
Our doctor, Dr. Duke, is a nationally board certified Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture Physician. And has been rated as one of the top local acupuncturists (Tampa acupuncture) and cupping doctors in the area.
His methodology is to meld Eastern and Western medicine tp create a fast, non-invasive methods for pinpointing areas of deficiency and illness. If indicated, cupping may be an effective treatment for your condition.
What is Cupping?
Cupping is a therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create a suction. This suction provides a variety of benefits. It can help draw in blood flow to facilitate healing. And it can also allow muscle and tendon fibers to separate where they have formed a knot from an injury or over use.
This therapy has been used over the centuries in a number of doctors and cultures. That includes Hippocrates, the Prophet Muhammad, and even the famous Chinese herbalist, Ge Hong (281–341 A.D.). In fact, in the 1950’s cupping became a formal modality in Chinese hospitals.
There are many forms, or methods, for placement of the cups on a patient. Some use glass cups that are heated to then produce a suction because of the heated glass, and others which use a vacuum seal similar to a suction-cup. But there are two (2) main types of cupping.
- Dry. Dry cupping is the more traditional therapy you may have seen where patients have circular marks on their skin after the therapy.
- Wet. This method involved tiny cuts made on the patient’s skin before a suction is made on the skin to draw our a small amount of blood.
Does it Hurt?
No, dry cupping do not typically hurt. In fact, many patients state that the feel immediate relief when the cups are placed on areas of discomfort.
The placement of cups usually lasts for only a few minutes. And then they are removed. Once removed you’ll notice a red mark where the suction was. This typically goes away in a few days.
Conditions Often Treated
Cupping has been used over the years to treat a wide range of conditions. Below are a few areas this ancient Chinese medicine has helped people with healing and health…
- Acute pain
- Chronic pain
- Headache
- Tight & stiff muscles
- Common cold
- Cough
- Painful menstruation
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Acne
- Shingles
- Facial paralysis
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Cervical spondylosis
- Herpes
- Frozen shoulder
- Boosting the immune system
- And more
Call our Tampa office and experience what so many have with the benefits of cupping therapy. You can book a call with us to go over your health and see if acupuncture is a good fit for you.
What are the Side Effects?
There typically are not any associated side effects. But you may feel lightheaded or dizzy.
The may have a red circular mark on the skin around the treatment area. This is typically not sensitive and goes away in a few days.
And as with any treatment given on the skin, you always have a risk of skin infection.
How to Choose an Office
Choosing an office for health care is just as important as the treatment itself. Finding the right practitioner can make a world of difference. Below are several points you should take into consideration when choosing your doctor.
Factors to Consider
- Convenience – are they close enough to get regular treatments.
- Expertise – how long have they been practicing and what are their credentials (are they licensed in Florida).
- Personal Connection – how do you fit with the doctor, do you feel comfortable talking to them about personal information.
- Facilities – is their office clean and pleasant.
- Listens – does the doctor listen and give ample time to understand your concerns.
- Results – do they get consistent results for their patients, what do their patients’ testimonials say.
At Wholistic Medical Group, we strive to meet all those above concerns. If you have any questions, schedule a free booking with us so we can answer any questions you have.
Our Office
Our office is about a 10-minute drive from downtown. And about 3.4 miles from Memorial Hwy (Interstate 275) when exiting from W Kennedy Blvd toward Westshore Blvd. Alternatively, if you are coming from Gandy Blvd (Gandy Bridge), we are about 2.1 miles. Some popular nearby neighborhoods include Ybor City, Downtown, South Tampa, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Tampa Palms, and Hyde Park.