Cupping Therapy don'ts

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Precautions and Contraindications of Cupping Therapy:
Cupping is a therapy that can have great benefit and is relatively safe to do.  The following precautions should be followed to best avoid injury and undue pain.  This list also has contraindications for patients on whom  you should not do any cupping unless you really understand the pathology and physiology of the condition you are treating or trying to help.

1. Hemophiliacs and those with thrombocytopenia: These people may have bleeding that will not stop, or undue bruising.  This can be more uncomfortable for them; it can possibly cause more problems, as well.

2. Anyone who is dehydrated. You will likely find poor results, which can be frustrating.  Someone that is very dehydrated can have a good initial result.  However, cupping can cause trouble with the kidneys and make them feel temporarily worse.

3. Skin allergies, Psoriasis, Vitiligo, eczema: You may make some of these conditions worse, at least in the short term.  Best advice is to avoid any skin that you would not consider ‘normal’.

4. Any broken skin: Cuts, abrasions, holes, lacerations etc.  These just hurt and we never want to hurt people.  Infections or oozing areas are not a good idea either.

5. Other skin changes: Raised moles, warts, local tumors, scabbed areas.  You can cause bleeding at these points.  When in doubt, cup elsewhere.

6. Areas with large vessels, or lymph nodes: Arm pits (axillary), Cervical areas (the front of the neck), in the groin (inguinal), wrists, anterior of the forearm, back of the knee.  These places are usually considered too ‘Yin’ for cupping.  Some techniques can be used; we can discuss these later.  Cupping in these areas can cause severe pain and may damage the vessels or nodes.

7. Deep vein thrombosis. Although there is little chance of causing more trouble, it is best to get a clearance from a primary provider before continuing.

8. Genitals, nipples, lips: anywhere there is a mucous membrane. Mucous membranes are those places that open to the outside that have moisture.  Also the umbilicus (belly button).

9. On the face. Use special technique… and really small cups…

10. On or around the eye. This can cause exophthalmos, or an avulsion or prolapse of the tissues.  Avoid the eye area.  It would likely hurt a lot, too.

11. On the tongue or mouth.  Although a part of a recent fad for young people, you can burst blood vessels as these are areas of very thin tissue.

12. During the menstrual period as this can cause a disruption in the energy flow and increase discomfort, especially if many cups are used, or cupping is done near the uterus or pelvic area. This is a traditional statement really, and I have not found any significant difference in a person’s feelings after cupping.

13. Women who are pregnant, ESPECIALLY no cupping on the pregnant belly. In fact there are areas on the ankle that are considered completely forbidden during pregnancy, as they can cause uterine contractions and therefore spontaneous abortion or delivery at the wrong time.  This point is generally not easily cupped anyway; it is located on the inner ankle about three thumb widths up from the ankle bone.  I know of no research or actual cases of this, but better to be safe than sorry.  Cupping on the shoulder and back should be fine as long as it is light and done with care.

14. Any active disease process that weakens the person. Here, refer to comfort and get advice from an advanced provider who understands what cupping is and does.  This would include:  tuberculosis, anemia, respiratory conditions (COPD, Emphysema, Asthma), cardiovascular issues that are not under control, including hypertension and congestive heart failure.  People who suffer from these ailments may not like or do as well with stronger cupping, so use flash or light cupping.  Remember, healing is a timed process.

15. Anyone under the age of five, (traditionally it is three years old) I have found it impossible to get one so young to sit still long enough…

16. Bug bites, animal bites; even though you can remove the toxins or poisons, it’s best to let the body do its own work and not irritate it any more.

17. Anywhere there are sutures or stitches. Any place there has been recent surgery.  Sometimes glue is used to close wounds.  It’s best to wait until healing is complete; a good rule of thumb is six weeks or so after the sutures have been removed.  A good idea is to check with the surgeon first.

18. Fresh scar tissue. There are some good techniques to get scar tissue to change, but that is a bit advanced.  Using different sized cups is useful here.  Along with herbs and other salves, it can show good results.

19. Any burn areas, new or old. A sunburn is a terrible place to have cupping.  It will aggravate the issue and the patient can have massive problems with energy flow.  This can cause fever and chills and make them susceptible to other problems.  Wait until the skin has properly healed and no sloughing of skin is occurring. With sunburn, especially sunburn that covers a large area, avoid cupping it.

20. Other burns, if someone has scar tissue from a burn, it is best not to do cupping on those areas. The skin is no longer normal. There  are significant challenges to the way cupping would have to be applied and how the scarred skin may react.  Get an OK from the primary if possible.

21. Someone that does not want cupping. This would include someone that is not feeling up to it or is overly skeptical.  They will tend to focus on the discomfort.  As luck would have it, that is when injury is likely to occur.  Best to wait or offer some other treatment.

22. Someone who has over eaten, is drunk, or drank a lot the night before. You can re-distribute the toxins and make them feel more ill.  Their energy and fluids are needed to transport and help in the digestion or metabolism process.

23. Severe fatigue:  This is an option really.  Flash cupping can help them actually feel better.  More ‘fresh’ or effervescent…   This of course depends on the type of fatigue and how much time they have for recovery.  As long as they have the proper follow up, there should not be a  real problem.

24. The palms or soles of the feet. These areas have different skin and it can be overly irritating.   It is also difficult to get the cups to stay.

25. After strenuous exercise. The release of that reserve energy can cause the patient  to feel even more tired and fatigued.

26. Be cautious with people who are overly nervous or restless. Some people with severe emotional disturbance cannot tolerate the therapy and should wait until they are feeling more stable. Occasionally, people can experience sudden and sometimes disturbing emotional releases.

27. A chronic disease process you do not understand well, including complex disorders that you should first discuss with a practitioner who understands cupping, as well as the condition of the person receiving cupping.

28. Thin skin, very papery skin. This is common in the very old or frail and you should be cautious with this.  Ok to do lighter technique but be gentle and take time.  It may take many visits to see the desired results.

29. People on certain medications such as Warfarin, Coumadin, have taken a lot of Aspirin, or blood thinners. People that are taking large amounts of fish oils (omegas), DHEA, Vitamin E, or Gingko Biloba.  They may have markings from cupping that will last a very long time.

30. People that are under treatment for cancer or diabetes. Make sure you get authorization from their primary care provider.  Although there are no research articles or studies that show cupping doing any harm other than the skin discolorations in people with diabetes or cancer, most Western medical practitioners caution that somehow it can help spread the disease.  There is no basis in fact with this as people have had all sorts of other treatments that were once forbidden for cancer patients, massage being one of them.  Remember, cupping is moving fluids within the tissues.  The body’s natural response is to clean and maintain homeostasis.  The cupping treatment stimulates that to continue more vigorously, thereby removing toxins that would otherwise have a harder time being released and properly dealt with.

31. Other areas as diagramed below. Elbows, knees, ears, feet and hands are not a real contraindication, it is just too difficult to get any cups to stay and there is little benefit from using them there.

Dr. Sean at Natural BodyWorks in Parker Colorado is a holistic healer, chiropractor, acupuncturist and dry needle practitioner.    He produces these videos to help patients and friends live better more comfortable lives.  A little levity and education go a long way in his opinion.  All information is original, and opinion of Dr. Sean Thompson for educational purposes only.  Any background music or visuals are incidental and not copyrighted.  Please notify us at the email below with any copyright issues so they can be remedied forthwith.  Comments and questions are welcomed and will be responded to as soon as possible.  Dr. Sean runs The Natural BodyWorks in Parker Colorado, has been practicing for over 20 years and is available daily at his office.  Thanks!

All ‘scripts’ can be found on our blog:  https://thenaturalbodyworks.blogspot.com

Website:  https://www.thenaturalbodyworks.com

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Email:  frontdesk@thenaturalbodyworks.com

Phone: 720- 325 9886

Address:  12539 N. Highway 83, Unit B

                Parker Colorado 80134

Here is the text for the Gall Bladder cleanse, you can also see it on my blog https://drseanthompson.wordpress.com/...

The information in these videos are for education only, there is no intent to diagnose, treat or render an opinion.  Any incidental diagrams, drawings, music, video, or other recording are used under the copyright fair use for education and or satire.  Use your own brain, go see a qualified provider if there is any question…

Not responsible for you, you are.

#chiropractor

#chiropractic

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#acupuncturist

#health

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#migraine

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#subluxationGet the book here.

What cupping therapy does

How cupping works:
An easy way to think of the big picture with cupping as a therapy is to think of it as a re-awakening of tissues.  If you have kids, the following example may help.  When you tell your kid to clean their room, they go upstairs for a while. You THINK they are doing exactly what you told them to do.  Later, you ask them if they cleaned their room..  They say, ‘Of course I did, just like you said’… So you believe them and let it go.  Sometime later you go up and see there is still a mess…  So this is pretty much how the body works.  The nervous system (brain), or ‘mom’ or ‘dad’ tells the kid (the distant tissues) to clean up.  The brain has lots to do, just like mom and dad, and cannot constantly check everything, so it  assumes all is well… Now, as cupping is concerned,  let’s go back to mom, dad, and the kid for a moment.  Say the light goes out in the room.  Mom  goes in to change the bulb and see the room is a mess, and tells  the kid to get back in there and clean up.  This is what the cup does on one level. It notifies the nervous system that attention is needed in the tissues.  The nervous system responds with a cleanup action.  This is how detoxification occurs.  Things build up in tissues just like they do in a child’s room.  If ignored, eventually dis-ease (lack of ease) occurs in the household (arguments, rolling of eyes, slamming of doors, etc.…) Cupping helps the tissues run at-ease as well as maintain homeostasis and balance in a ‘forgotten’ area.

Cupping changes the pH of tissues.  The pH means the amount or ‘potential’ of Hydrogen ions in a given solution.  Those with many Hydrogen ions bound to them are generally alkaline or ‘high’ pH.  Those with few or are giving off Hydrogen ions are considered acidic or ‘low’ pH.
The pH scale is on a 0 to 14 scale, with 14 being very alkaline and 0 being very acidic.  Distilled water is at 7 or neutral.  That basically means it does not give Hydrogen ions (acid) or receive Hydrogen ions (basic).
Our bodies have a multitude of ways to maintain a proper pH.  But, what is normal???

The ‘normal’ or most efficient pH of blood it 7.4.  To understand this, too low of a pH in blood could be from poor oxygen exchange in the cases of hypo ventilation, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, near drowning, loss of consciousness etc.  This would require the use of oxygen and a bicarbonate to ‘buffer’ the acid.

On the other hand, hyperventilation or too much O2 can cause the blood to be more alkaline and will reduce the breathing.  A pH of blood that is too high or too low would result in coma and eventual death.
The body is designed to deal with this in many ways.  You can change the breathing pattern and change the pH easily, next is to urinate out acids and the excess Hydrogen ions, then we can sweat, defecate or even take some of the calcium from bone to buffer the acids in the plasma.   Foods also make a significant difference in pH.

Urinary pH should be around 6.5 (slightly acid) to 8.0 (slightly alkaline) but then can become more alkaline in the evening as you have eaten and are releasing electrolytes (7.5 to 8.0).  Too much acid in the body would make the pH of the urine drop below 6.5.

Salivary pH should be between about 6.5 and 7.5.  So also, a rather narrow range.  This can change with foods eaten, amount of hydration, stress, and other biome factors. (Biome is the natural bacteria and other critters living on and in us.)


Cupping: the real deal.

1. When the cup is placed on the skin, the practitioner will pump air from the bell shaped cup and cause a vacuum. This vacuum will, because of negative pressure in the cup, cause the skin to be pulled upward, making a bulge.

2. As the skin is pulled up, a deep suction is created in the underlying tissues, which moves fluid (interstitial fluid, intercellular fluid, Lymph, (blood) and plasma). The fluid will change its place, thereby causing a further void that will be filled with other fluids nearby.  This new imbalance causes the vessels to open and bring more water and fluid into the area and help to wash out any toxins that were stuck due to poor circulation.   Not to get too technical, but it is this  action of hydrostatic pressure that moves the fluid.  Then as the fluid has moved to a new area, changing the concentration of fluid proteins, electrolytes and other solutes, they are further moved with osmotic pressure of water, depending on where and how concentrated the ‘stuff’ is in the fluid.

3. Basically this is what is called Sterling’s Law of Capillaries. Hydrostatic pressure, also called fluid pressure, pushes more at the arteriole areas and pushes water out of the vessel into the interstitial space (space between cells, but outside the vascular system); then the water may travel into a cell (intercellular fluid) or eventually to the lymph capillary to be taken back up to the vascular system at the subclavian veins.  Then osmotic pressure, because of plasma proteins ‘sucks’ the water at the venuoles side… (See the diagram)
4. Cupping causes a total, yet temporary, disruption of this process. Think of it as the opposite of massage pressure.  Instead of pushing, you are pulling.  This allows fluids to flow in directions they usually do not.  The body’s natural response is to re-regulate the fluid composition and redistribute the fluids back to a more ‘normal’ area.

5. Stimulation of new blood, lymph, plasma, and intercellular fluid or interstitial fluid flow to areas where it has been removed by the vacuum or negative pressure.
6. Toxins are generally cellular debris, lactic acids from anaerobic burning of glucose, Carbonic acid from respiration, acidic ketone bodies, and sulfuric acids from other metabolic processes.

7. Once the fluids have been taken out of their regular environment, the histamines, heparins and other chemicals released by the stimulation of the cupping open the surrounding tissues and allows ‘flushing’ of the fluids back into lymph and blood capillaries. Also, because of the forced imbalance of the cells, spaces between the cells and fat cells, more actions are required by the cells, tissues and surrounding areas to regain their harmony (homeostasis) in the cupped area.

When the kidneys, liver and lungs cannot process these issues and become over worked, the body will naturally put the toxins ‘in storage’ so they can get to them later.  This usually will be in the underlying fat of the skin.   The cupping action is that of a vacuum.  It pulls the tissue and therefore the fluids through the different compartments and, over time, will stimulate the body to clear it out.
Cupping is quicker than acupuncture, massage or even chiropractic at getting toxins to release and be processed.
Cupping can also help you determine the extent of an issue…
-Demonstrates the severity of the congestion (see below)
-Demonstrates the location of the most congestion and stagnation.
-Can stimulate the liver, kidney, lungs and skin to work more efficiently.
A body in motion moves fluids through pressure changes both from within and on the outside.  The gentle bellows action of the normal breathing process, movement of muscles when walking or doing exercise help fluids change places.  Other ways you can get this is with massage, stretching, and other normal activities.  Many times people are rather sedentary; they work at jobs that require sitting, then go to a vehicle that offers the same.  Since they are tired, they simply go home and sit on the couch, then go to bed.  This is far too little movement of the body and will inevitably lead to stagnation and eventual breakdown.
Take the example of bed sores, called stasis ulcers.  When people are bed ridden and cannot move, the fluids in the body begin to settle and ooze through their normal position toward the ground.  The first signs are redness, then an oily sheen on that part of the skin as the plasma and lymph are oozing through.  Soon the tissue will become irritated and not be able to transfer out carbon dioxide or get oxygen, thereby becoming acidic. It  starts to break down.  That leads to an ulcer (an open lesion of the skin). The ulcer is susceptible to dis-ease from bacteria, becomes  active in the acidic environment and does  not have  good blood flow, which impedes the natural cleaning process by the blood (do you mean red?) and white blood cells.  Once bacteria get going, they can be difficult to stop.  Most people who are bed ridden do not have a great immune system to begin with. That can begin a cascade of trouble, leading to sepsis and eventual death.
Cupping is not the only answer, of course.  It is one tool.  The first and foremost way to ensure there is good flow is to move.  Exercise, get massage, do some stretches!  Let us imagine you have had a back injury. To help your body through this injury, your  muscles tighten,  the blood flow decreases and then your blood can become still and stagnant, making it difficult to clean out.  I suggest only a few sessions to get things going, and you can get the whole process in motion and find quicker relief. (? Did not understand last sentence.)
An occasional ‘tune up’ is a good idea and I suggest once a month or so, with a follow up visit. ).The chart below will show you what to look for.   As areas go from congested through to good healthy blood flow, you will find more relief.  Someone with spots after cupping that are on the left side (healthy Blood Circulation) will have a pink-ness that will go away in a day or so.  They only need maintenance, for example, once every few weeks depending on their activity levels

Dr. Sean at Natural BodyWorks in Parker Colorado is a holistic healer, chiropractor, acupuncturist and dry needle practitioner.    He produces these videos to help patients and friends live better more comfortable lives.  A little levity and education go a long way in his opinion.  All information is original, and opinion of Dr. Sean Thompson for educational purposes only.  Any background music or visuals are incidental and not copyrighted.  Please notify us at the email below with any copyright issues so they can be remedied forthwith.  Comments and questions are welcomed and will be responded to as soon as possible.  Dr. Sean runs The Natural BodyWorks in Parker Colorado, has been practicing for over 20 years and is available daily at his office.  Thanks!

All ‘scripts’ can be found on our blog:  https://thenaturalbodyworks.blogspot.com

Website:  https://www.thenaturalbodyworks.com

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/thenaturalbodyworks

Facebook:  https://facebook.com/Naturalbodyworksparker

Google+: https://www.plus.google.com/+seanthompsonnaturalbodyworks

LinkedIn: Https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsesanthompson

Pinterest; https://www.pinterest.com/thenaturalbodyworks

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/naturalbodyworks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenaturalbodyworks

Discus:  https://discus.com/by/rev_sean

Tumblr:  https://www.tumblr.com/blog/thenaturalbodyworks

Email:  frontdesk@thenaturalbodyworks.com

Phone: 720- 325 9886

Address:  12539 N. Highway 83, Unit B

                Parker Colorado 80134

Here is the text for the Gall Bladder cleanse, you can also see it on my blog https://drseanthompson.wordpress.com/...

The information in these videos are for education only, there is no intent to diagnose, treat or render an opinion.  Any incidental diagrams, drawings, music, video, or other recording are used under the copyright fair use for education and or satire.  Use your own brain, go see a qualified provider if there is any question…

Not responsible for you, you are.

#chiropractor

#chiropractic

#acupuncture

#acupuncturist

#health

#backpain

#migraine

#holistic

#naturalbodyworks

#instachiropractor

#subluxation

Cupping therapy blisters

Cupping Therapy Mishaps, When things go wrong:
What to do if…
In cupping as a practice, like any type of health care procedure, things can go not as planned.  In fact, you can hurt yourself or others with most health maintenance products.  One can cut a gum with dental floss; rupture an ear drum with a ‘Q-Tip’, or cut yourself with a simple razor.  You can also overdose on the myriad of over the counter medications available at any local store, many with fatal results.  Did you know, for example, that over 1,000 people a year die from taking Tylenol as it is suggested ON the label?!
Some of the mishaps can occur even with the most conscientious practitioner.   The best defense is a good offense with this and I would like to explain what I mean by that.
Most of the issues we will see with cupping are very minor indeed; however, knowing how to handle an unexpected problem can make all the difference, if you are prepared.  Here is a list of the most common and what to do about them.  While we are using a cupping system and technique that avoids fire, we generally do not have to worry about the most common injury in fire cupping, that is, burns.  Please refer to the section on contraindications and precautions to keep these from happening….

1. Bleeding mole or mark: If you placed the cup near a mole that is raised or at all different from the surrounding skin, it can tear or open and bleed.  This is a simple fix.  First, stop the cupping on that area and remove the cup.  Use a cotton ball or gauze swab to clean any blood off the skin.  Make  sure you stop the bleeding with direct pressure.  Clean the area well and place a Band-Aid on the open skin.  You may choose to tell the person having cupping to use some Neosporin and to watch the area for proper healing.  Make sure and follow up over the next few days to see how it is going.  Reassure the ‘client’ that it can happen in rare occasions and is largely inconsequential.  Any infection should be followed up with a more qualified practitioner.

2. Severe bruise: In this case we see a bruise that seems to last too long.  Remember the lesion you created is not a true bruise.  A bruise is a breaking of blood vessels and ‘frank blood’ leaking into the surrounding tissues.  Reassure the client and have them use a cold pack for pain if they experience this.

3. Skin irritation: Stop the cupping if you see increased redness around the cup, or if the client complains that the cupping itches.  It is simply too much pressure.  Release some of the pressure in the cup but keep it in place for the duration of the treatment.  If irritation occurs after the cupping session, it may also be a sign that the tissues were very closed off, and the new flow of fluids are stimulating new flow of nutrients and toxins out of the system.  If this is too irritating or they notice swelling that lasts more than a day or two, this means they are VERY toxic and will need much more treatment.  Heat then, would be the choice of treatment.  A good Epsom salts bath can help.

4. ‘Health Care Crisis’ i.e. feeling worse after a session: This is common when there is  poor energy in the body to handle the toxins that were stirred up by treatment.  Here, the best treatment is lots of good fluids and get some rest.  The client should be reassured that this can be expected only once or twice ever and that future treatments will be more invigorating for sure.  If the feeling of cruddiness lasts more than two days, it is best to get to a more qualified practitioner for an evaluation. There  may be something else going on not really related to the cupping.

5. Prolapsed or bulging vessel: This can happen when cupping is done on one of the areas you should not be doing it on… so make sure you follow the precautions.  If this does happen because of too brazen cupping, press the area with a finger and place a cold pack on it as soon as possible.  If the vessel ruptures you will see lots of bruising.  Best not to do any more cupping on that area until completely healed, and then consider other areas.

6. Blisters filled with water: This happens when the tissues of the patient are too tight, acting like wood.  There is no good capillary flow and the lymph is sluggish at best.  The blisters may pop.  If not, it is best to pop them on the most inferior aspect and let them drain.  Make sure they stay covered as this is open skin.  It is very common that they leave red marks ‘lesions’ for up to a couple weeks.    In the future consider massage or ‘moving’ cupping technique.

6. Infection: In the very exceptionally rare event of any type of infection:  That is, heat, redness, pain, and swelling in the area. Stop cupping until the infection is cleared and get to the real cause of their illness.  Refer to another provider as soon as possible.  Any area that may have broken skin or that you might think has infection, cover with Neosporin and watch it closely for a few days for signs of healing.   Treat it as you would any injury to the skin.

8. Broken skin, tearing: This is most common in older people that have paper thin skin and are generally poorly hydrated. The skin can tear like wet paper.  Avoid further cupping and make sure the area is covered and let to heal properly.  Maintain communication with the client about this, and that they need much more integumentary hydration and collagen.  They should consider strong doses of Vitamin C to help with skin repair.  Other nutritionals should also be considered.   Make sure that they are hydrated and keep that up as well as something to hydrate and help the skin.

9. Pain during cupping: This is common in first timers as well as when you get a little too aggressive with the cupping.  Check in with the client every few minutes.  This therapy can be uncomfortable, but too much pain just stresses the client.  Release some of the pressure by pulling the tab at the top of the cup.  Then you can add more pressure by using the pump gun for another light pump or two.

10. Emotional releases: This is left for last because it is the least expected and can be one of the most disturbing for both the client and practitioner.  Often the client is too stressed to receive cupping for this session; however, you both choose to do it at this time.  There is no lasting trouble here, so be confident and compassionate.

Here is what to do.  First, have the client stay still if they can, and loosen the cups but do not remove them… Then have the client breath out longer than they breathe in.  When they exhale do it as if they are fogging their glasses to clean them. This enhances the tone of the Vagus nerve and they will soon relax.  Offer simple ‘holding of a space’ support.  There is no need to talk it out unless they are willing and ready.
In fact, let them initiate.  Explain to them that occasionally, emotional energies get caught up in tissues and can be released with such therapies.  It is really a great sign that healing or detoxification is occurring on multiple levels is possible, and the release is a great sign.  Comfort and rest are the best treatment now.  Future treatments may or may not have the same response.  Just go with it.    Catharsis is a good thing.  The safe space you have created allowed this to blossom forth.

Dr. Sean at Natural BodyWorks in Parker Colorado is a holistic healer, chiropractor, acupuncturist and dry needle practitioner.    He produces these videos to help patients and friends live better more comfortable lives.  A little levity and education go a long way in his opinion.  All information is original, and opinion of Dr. Sean Thompson for educational purposes only.  Any background music or visuals are incidental and not copyrighted.  Please notify us at the email below with any copyright issues so they can be remedied forthwith.  Comments and questions are welcomed and will be responded to as soon as possible.  Dr. Sean runs The Natural BodyWorks in Parker Colorado, has been practicing for over 20 years and is available daily at his office.  Thanks!

All ‘scripts’ can be found on our blog:  https://thenaturalbodyworks.blogspot.com

Website:  https://www.thenaturalbodyworks.com

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/thenaturalbodyworks

Facebook:  https://facebook.com/Naturalbodyworksparker

Google+: https://www.plus.google.com/+seanthompsonnaturalbodyworks

LinkedIn: Https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsesanthompson

Pinterest; https://www.pinterest.com/thenaturalbodyworks

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/naturalbodyworks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenaturalbodyworks

Discus:  https://discus.com/by/rev_sean

Tumblr:  https://www.tumblr.com/blog/thenaturalbodyworks

Email:  frontdesk@thenaturalbodyworks.com

Phone: 720- 325 9886

Address:  12539 N. Highway 83, Unit B

                Parker Colorado 80134

Here is the text for the Gall Bladder cleanse, you can also see it on my blog https://drseanthompson.wordpress.com/...

The information in these videos are for education only, there is no intent to diagnose, treat or render an opinion.  Any incidental diagrams, drawings, music, video, or other recording are used under the copyright fair use for education and or satire.  Use your own brain, go see a qualified provider if there is any question…

Not responsible for you, you are.

#chiropractor

#chiropractic

#acupuncture

#acupuncturist

#health

#backpain

#migraine

#holistic

#naturalbodyworks

#instachiropractor

#subluxation

Types and styles of Cupping therapy

Types of cupping

1. Weak or light cupping: This is just as it says, light and easy.  One pump or so, left for a short time, to begin the stimulation of the movement of the fluids.  This is great for first timers, children, the skeptical, and frail.

2. Medium or strong cupping: As you work up to this level, you will see more stagnation and more movement of the fluids.  This is, in my opinion, the best technique.  You can work up to it either over multiple visits/treatments or during a treatment.  Basically an extension of weak cupping.

3. Moving cupping: (Negative Pressure Massage) this is a great technique for muscle pain, and for stress care (Emotional, mental, spiritual or energetic).  Use the meridian charts to move the energy and stagnation out, as well as to enhance or reduce the flow of Qi energy.  You can use oils to help the cups slide across the skin.  It is difficult on bony areas and areas that are in corners etc… Finnish cups are either silicone or a form of latex that are flexible and work really well for muscle tightness.   You can also affect the myofascial system greatly with this technique.  Similar is a technique of pulling or moving the skin that is held under the cup.

4. Needle or puncture cupping: Also called wet cupping.  In this technique, though, we are using cupping along with acupuncture and are only attempting to get one drop of blood.  This causes a healing event and can help the body with swelling and with chronic issues.  Proper technique requires good cleaning and sterile equipment.

5. Moxa or hot cupping: Sometimes a piece of paper is set alight and placed in the cup.  Usually when the cup is placed on the body the paper burns away and sticks to the top of the cup.  It can burn the patient.  It can be infused paper with certain herbs, or have certain prayers of sayings written upon them to enhance more subtle healing.  I do not prefer this, as again we are playing with fire… on many levels.

6. Empty or flash cupping: This is a misnomer really; it is very quick and repetitive to get some redness.  We are not leaving the cups on more than a couple moments.  Good for use on the face, and some areas that have lots of vascularity or lymph tissue.   This is also good for the very fatigued as it can increase Qi energy movement.

7. Wet or bleeding cupping: Found typically in western medicine and Middle Eastern medicine.  Here, cuts are placed in the skin then the cups pull out the stagnant blood or morbid humors[1]… This is a big hazard for infection, but even so,  it is quite popular.  The blood needs to be properly discarded and cleaned.  I find it disagreeable and rather advanced.  I do not think I would have it done to me unless I was in a dire condition.

8. Herbal cupping: Placing herbal liquids or tinctures in the cup can help deliver them into the tissues directly.  Works great with tinctures made with alcohol.  No burning is necessary.  We can do this one with the vacuum cups.  It can be messy and may cause some irritation on the skin.

9. Water cupping: The cups are placed in very hot water and then placed on the body; this heat transfer causes the vacuum phenomenon.  It is primarily used with either horn or bamboo cups.  We do not use it because it can also burn the person as well as create a wet mess.

10. Fire cupping: This involves the use of spirits such as rubbing alcohol as the fuel.  The fuel is rubbed inside the cup and set alight, then the cup is placed on the body.  The fire depletes the oxygen in the cup and creates a vacuum and suction.  We do not do this type of cupping for a few reasons.  First of all, fire burns stuff.  The cup can become hot and can burn the skin or scorch the skin.  It only allows for a single application per cup at a time.  You cannot easily adjust the suction.  This is perhaps one of the oldest ways to cup.

Dr. Sean at Natural BodyWorks in Parker Colorado is a holistic healer, chiropractor, acupuncturist and dry needle practitioner.    He produces these videos to help patients and friends live better more comfortable lives.  A little levity and education go a long way in his opinion.  All information is original, and opinion of Dr. Sean Thompson for educational purposes only.  Any background music or visuals are incidental and not copyrighted.  Please notify us at the email below with any copyright issues so they can be remedied forthwith.  Comments and questions are welcomed and will be responded to as soon as possible.  Dr. Sean runs The Natural BodyWorks in Parker Colorado, has been practicing for over 20 years and is available daily at his office.  Thanks!

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Here is the text for the Gall Bladder cleanse, you can also see it on my blog https://drseanthompson.wordpress.com/...

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Cupping therapy for detoxification.

For the past couple years I have been hosting and teaching therapeutic cupping to other practicioners.  Here is some of the information we learn in the class.

History of Cupping Therapy.

Cupping is mentioned in the West as far back as Herodotus around 400BC, in Egypt around 1550 BC in the Papyrus Ebers, and in China, it has roots that go back thousands of years.  Of course, there are many techniques of cupping, but one can safely assume that the original techniques were used to release pus and other poisons for either injuries, illnesses, bites or the like.  In the West, it became a common practice to remove poisons or ‘morbid humors’ and this usually necessitated cuts to release one of the humors, for example, blood.   This is most like the more modern ‘Wet’ cupping or ‘Hijamma’, (Hijamat  Bilashurt) which we will not practice in this workshop.  Prior to our modern western medicine as we know it were many odd theories and techniques. Only some have stood up to real scrutiny and the tests of time and scientific study.

1. The theory of four humors (fluids) in the body. The four humors are blood, pus, bile and black bile… Humors:
   1. Blood: in vessels, heart, arteries, veins, capillaries as well as reservoirs of liver, spleen, pancreas and uterus.
   2. Phlegm: lymph nodes, stomach, lung, respiratory tract, bronchi, brain, vertebral column, sinuses, and spleen.
   3. Yellow bile: gall bladder, liver, spleen, stomach, small intestine (all parts) and some capillaries.
   4. Black Bile: Spleen, veins of the liver, stomach, large intestine, joints, bones, peripheral nerves, hypochondriac region.

Once a humor is aggravated or disturbed or gets too excessive it builds up in a receptacle, (spleen, liver, uterus etc.) then it will overflow and can spread and overcome other functions causing disease.  This is considered archaic and has little basis in physiology.    The humors are considered in relation to quality and quantity.  Some are thickened and some are thinned with disease processes.  Some are sticky or too slippery, or hot or cold etc…

Of course we do not hear about these any more from medical doctors, for good reason.  They are not accurate.