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Saturday 14 January 2012

Have you ever been cupped?

Hi everybody! This week I have started my treatment here at the clinic, and I got cupped! It's an alternative healing method, which they use to support the other therapies.

Cupping is the method of using glass or plastic cups to create localized pressure by a vacuum. The Chinese have been doing this since ancient times by using heat inside glass or bamboo cups. Nowadays, cupping sets use suction to create the vacuum. The vacuum inside the cups causes the blood to form in the area and help the healing in that area.

Ancient Chinese medicine believes that the body contains "Meridians". These meridians are pathways in the body which the energy of life called Qi ("chi") flows through. It flows through every body part, tissue, and organ. Cupping therapy is mainly performed on one's back because there are five meridians on your back. When these meridians are opened, the internal energy is able to flow through the whole body.

Another healing aspect of cupping therapy is through the release of toxins in your body. The suction from the cups can penetrate deep into your tissues causing the tissues to release harmful toxins. It triggers the lymphatic system, clears the blood vessels, and stretches and activates the skin.

Cupping therapy has been found in ancient records dating back 3500 years and it is still used today by many alternative medicine practictioners. New advancements in technology and materials have been integrated with cupping therapies and its uses now range for many different treatments and applications.

The cups suck themselves onto the back, and stay there for about half an hour, and when they are taken off you have a nice circle pattern, which doesn't go away for hours.

This is not a pic of me, it was one I found on the net:






I will be having lots of different therapies in the coming weeks, and hope they will bring some relief.

This morning I took this photo of a beautiful tree in the garden here, which I can see from my window.




And of course, I still have plenty of free time for crafting and painting, so that is good. Today I am going for a walk around the little town, and I have discovered a thrift store that needs to be looked at!


Have a great day you all, take care, and thanks for visiting!

30 comments:

  1. In answer to your question "No, but I've always wanted to be." I understand it is wonderful for you. The photograph is quite breathtaking. Glad you are able to get out for a walk .. look out Thrift Store -- here comes Valerie! Hope you find lots of fun stuff. hugs, Donna

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  2. I have heard of cupping but have never had it done! You didn't actually mention what it felt like to have it done! Is that good or bad lol? I hope that these therapies give you some relief I am a great believer in alternative medicine.
    Enjoy your walk into town it looks like you are at a very peaceful place!
    hugs Alyson x

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  3. Morning Valerie, very interesting to read about cupping, never experienced it but have heard about it. Hope the weather's nice for you today to enjoy your little stroll - happy shopping! Suze xx

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  4. This sounds very interesting Valerie and is not something I've heard of either. Hope you get some benefits from it.
    Gorgeous photo and hope you find some goodies in the thrift store.
    Have a great day.
    Hugs, Fliss xx

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  5. Hi Valerie, I'd heard of cupping but haven't had it done - I do hope it helps you, it sounds like it should. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

    I hope you're enjoying some of our weather - it's beautiful and bright and fresh here this morning. Perfect for a stroll into town and a wander round a thrift store!

    xxx

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  6. I have never heard of it but it sounds wonderful! Hope you have fun looking through the thrift shop, sounds like a fun day! Take care.

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  7. It sounds an interesting therapy, I hope it will help you. That tree was beautiful,hope you enjoyed your walk and a few bargains in the store.
    Take care, Yvonne x

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  8. Hi Valerie, Fabulous photo, well captured!
    Cupping sounds painful but if it gives relief 'rock on' I say! Enjoy your walk today and I'm looking forward to seeing your crafty makes, Gay xxx

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  9. fascinating, there is a lot to be said for alternative medicine which treats the whole and not just a set of symptoms. Hope it brings you the relief you are seeking.

    lovely to have a pretty new area to explore have a lovely walk and mooch. XOXO Zoe

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  10. Hi Valerie! I've never heard of cupping but so glad you shared your knowledge, it sounds wonderful!

    Wonder what goodies the thrift store has?

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  11. No, but I have heard of it. I've tried many therapies both privately and via the NHS to help with symptoms of my illness, I have a very open mind and will at the very least give them a go.
    Hope you are doing well.
    Wishes
    Lynne

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  12. cupping...sounds interesting..i have not heard of this...
    beautiful picture...your camera captures sunrises well...lucky you!
    hugs.
    enjoy the day

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  13. Have fun at the thrift store! Never heard about cupping, interesting, and more importantly I hope it works!

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  14. Hi Valerie, the Chinese are very prolific in the art of healing so I am not surprised that this is still practised. I wish you well and I can already tell by your posts that it is working.
    Take care and I would love to be with you exploring that Thrift store.
    Love the photo....
    Happy Creative Weekend.
    Lesley

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  15. Wow, I have never heard of it...but this is a wonderful alternative. And your photo is absolutely gorgeous!!
    XO
    Cindy

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  16. If it helps then it's worthwhile Val. Any room for me? I could definitely do with something atm. lol Enjoy your walks in the little town. xx

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  17. Good afternoon Valerie. I'm as old as the hills and have never heard of cupping. I do know if I put a hot wash cloth inside of a cup and hold it over an aching ear, it helps with the pain. I never dreamed this was an acient remedy. I'm sure it will work for you.

    THRIFT STORE????? I love to shop thrift stores. Hubby refers to them as "early attic." I hope you found some treasures. Love to see your photos; keep them coming.

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  18. No dearing never been cupped but might try it based on your description!Hope it helps to ease your ailments. I wish you comfort.take care, gerri

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  19. Hi Valerie. So nice that you are able to post while you are there. I love the you are making this treatment procedure a mini vacation. You sound great. You are making plans for walks, will be visiting the thrift store and probably a lot more crafting as well. I've heard of those cup treatments and of their benefits. You asked if we've ever been "cupped." Hee hee. The only time I get cupped is when I put my bra on. Tee Hee. Be well Valerie and glad you are doing good. Take care.

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  20. I have never been cupped or heard of it until today! I hope your treatments bring you relief really soon. That is quite the lovely view! Have fun shopping or window shopping!

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  21. Cupped huh? I have never heard of it but it sure sounds interesting. But then I think alternative medicine is interesting! Can you feel it from the outside? And does it feel like it helped. How often do you have to do it?
    I wonder if they do it here and if it might help Dave to stop smoking!?
    Did you get anything fun at the thrift store? I love them. There is a big one near the VA Medical Center where I go. I stop in every chance I get. I have found new clothes with price tags still on them for just a couple dollars! My kind of sales!!!!!
    Keep up the photos and update us on your progress.
    Love and hugzzzz,
    Narda

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  22. That is so interesting.. I have never heard of cupping before. Take care!!

    Hugs, Linda

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  23. I have heard of it but have never had it done, it is supposed to be very good. What other therepies are you having? I hope that they are helpful to you. I loved your postcard again this week and love all the details of the story, I have not been able to comment on some peoples blogs all week, yours being one of them, but I have had a good nosey at all your crafty makes! Enjoy the thrift store x

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  24. Hi Valerie. Thrift stores are so much fun. You found some bargains. Fab artwork. The cupping sounds interesting. You do find the most amazing skies to photo where ever you go. Gorgeous.
    Regards Florence x

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  25. Hi ~Valerie this method sounds very similar to " Vendouses " which they use still today in a lot of Greek homes for a variety of ailments . The glass is usually heated and then rubbing alcohol ( of the medicinal kind ) is applied to your you back usually and then place the glasses over the problem area, the Greeks swear by it ! Do hope it brings you some relief.

    Marie

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  26. I've heard of cupping. I hope it helps you! That tree is so peaceful and serene... thanks for sharing the view from your window.

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  27. Wow, I hope it brought some relief - I am thinking of you! xoxo

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  28. Some of the alternative therapies can have really great results, I hope that you find they help
    Lindsay xx

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  29. I'm late catching up here....Hope your treatments went well and you get the relief you seek. I've heard of cupping but haven't tried it.I do firmly believe in alternative healing though.

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