Specifically, suction cupping with patient movement during pregnancy. What: So first we are going to take a look at what exactly cupping is. Traditionally, it was used by the Chinese along the meridians of the body and they use a method called fire cupping. Nowadays, many clinicians and professionals use what is called suction cupping to help with a variety of issues. Suction cupping draws air out of the cup, which lifts the skin and creates space underneath the tissues. Who: Who can benefit from cupping? Benefits can be found when cupping is used for muscle soreness, muscle strains, inflammation, pain, tightness, and issues such as headaches and arthritis.1 Just like with anything, this isn’t a magic cure all and should be utilized with other modalities and exercises. Also, what works great for one person might not do anything for someone else. Every Body Is Different. How: According to the literature, there is no set definition of what cupping specifically does; however, there are many scientific journals and recordings of what cupping sessions have done for patients. Some of these records show patient improvement in pain threshold, blood flow, reduced inflammation, improved local anabolic metabolism, and changes the skin’s biomechanical properties to name a few. 1 Early/Post Pregnancy focus: When a woman is pregnant, her center of gravity is shifted as her belly expands anteriorly. This shift can lead to several things such as SI joint pain, Femoral impingements and much more discomforts. Also we see something called lower cross syndrome (AKA Pelvic cross syndrome) develop which is a reference to the poor posture and muscle imbalance cause by many things, including pregnancy. Tight/shortened hip flexors and QLs, along with lengthened/stretched abdominals and glutes lead to a forward or anterior tilted pelvis. So what does all this mean for real life? It means due to this syndrome and the baby’s pressure, pregnant mama begins to develop lower back and front hip tightness and pain, as well as, weakened glutes and abdominals. Usually accompanied by upper crossed syndrome issues such as forward head posture and rounded shoulders, many moms can tell you that this leads to discomfort and pain long after pregnancy. For example: When utilizing suction cups along the lower back in configurations such as the one shown in the picture above, we are trying to reduce the tension in the lower back/QL areas. Combining the cupping with patient movements such as cat/cow and hip pendulums, can help many women find relief from their pains. Again, this is just one tool that needs to be used in addition to exercise and other modalities, but this combination of techniques helps a multitude of populations. If you, or someone you know, would like to learn more about cupping for early or post pregnancy, pain or injuries in general, check out the links below to cited sources and other fun resources that you can review. Maybe check with your local massage therapist, chiropractor, manual therapist, or health professional to see if they offer cupping and get their opinion. I can attest to the relief I have personally felt using cupping therapies, as well as, the benefits my clients feel after we utilize suction cupping during their sessions. Research it, consult your medical team, read about and if it looks like something you would like to try (if ok’d by your doctor), I encourage you to TRY it and find out what works for you and your body! As always, I encourage you to ask, research and discover on your own! Don't take my word for it, formulate your own educated opinions! Cassandra McCoy A. A. T. NKT & Rocktape practitioner RYT 200 & Essentrics Instructor Resources: https://www.coreconcepts.com.sg/article/ease-back-pain-during-pregnancy/ http://www.denveracupunctureandchiro.com/cupping/ Works cited: Aboushanab T, Sandas S. Cupping Therapy: An Overview from a Modern Medicine Perspective. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2018;
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AuthorCassandra McCoy Archives
October 2018
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