I have to admit, I have always been pretty skeptical about alternative medicine. Sure, I know that acupuncture and cupping have been around for hundreds of years but never really gave them any thought. We have all seen those crazy photos of Micheal Phelps with his big red circles which recently brought the idea of cupping back into the mainstream for athletes. So, when I was offered a chance to try both treatments out last month, I was intrigued. Here’s what I learned from my trial of Acupuncture and Cupping.
What I learned from Acupuncture and Cupping
I was treated to two acupuncture and cupping sessions provided by Beth at Jade and Jasmine Healing Arts in Arlington, Virginia. Beth took a very thorough history both before and during my session. It just so happened that I was having some calf and shin tightness from over doing it on my runs so it was perfect timing for a session. I immediately felt at ease after Beth explained the treatment process to me.
Acupuncture does not hurt
I expected to feel a prick of some sort from the needles. The needles used were so small and I honestly could not even feel them going in. Acupuncture needles are not inserted deeply but kept superficially.
Acupuncture has specific targets
If you have ever done foot reflexology, you know that certain parts of the foot correspond to various trigger points on the body.The same is true for acupuncture. The needles are inserted at pressure points to target specific ailments, illnesses or injury. For example, if you have trouble sleeping acupuncture needles might be inserted in your hand or foot to target that specifically.
Cupping is not so crazy after all
Seeing that I fancy myself quite the athlete (she says with a sarcastic tone), I was really curious to try cupping. The Cupping treatment I received used a gentle suction to lift the skin tissue. This technique allows for increased blood flow around the area.
Cupping does not have to leave scars
I tried Cupping on 2 different occasions and neither time did it leave any lasting red circles or marks on my leg or back. I was expecting it to hurt but was surprised when just the opposite happened. It is a little bit of a strange sensation at first, but once I relaxed I was able to well, relax and enjoy the sensation. The cups had a gentle suction and as Beth slid them around my upper back area, it was very much like a massage.
Did it work?
Right after the treatments, I did feel almost immediate muscle relaxation in my calf. The next few days, my calf pain did ease up. I presume, with continued visits, Cupping would continue to ease muscle aches and minor injuries from running and exercise.
Would I do it again?
Definitely! I personally felt like I got more out of the cupping than the acupuncture (in my limited experience). I can certainly see how regular sessions would help with recovery and minor muscle issues. I believe that Cupping would complement foam rolling, stretching and massage. Now to just find the time to fit that all in!
Tell Me: Have you tried Acupuncture or Cupping? Would you?
Linking up:
Ive done acupuncture but never cupping. Sounds interesting! I do think these kinds of treatments can be really helpful in preventing and treating certain injuries.
I think so too. Hope you have a chance to try cupping sometime
I have always been curious about cupping, it seems so weird, after your review I want to try it though. I am a fan of acupuncture, I have had some really great experiences with it.
It was not weird at all! I hope you have the chance to try it
I didn’t know you could NOT have those funny red marks. Good to know! I’ve never tried either method but am definitely interested in it.
I was surprised as well! My marks just lasted less than an hour honestly.
I have been recommended to try acupuncture for my RA. I’m really interested in it, but kind of scared. Glad to hear it didn’t hurt!
I was a little scared too but honestly I did not even feel them at all. I think it’s worth a try!
I love cupping! It’s help my glutes and hamstrings a few years back – yeah, I was that person having my butt (glutes) cupped!!!
What no photos???!!! LOL
Interesting! I’ve never tried either but I’d love to. I have soooo many issues that either treatment might address. One of my massage therapist friends did some accupressure for my shoulder and it helped a little. She actually worked on the opposite elbow!
I know isn’t that really interesting!? I think it’s worth a try
Im glad you tried it out — I have always been curious but never “fell” for the claims. People have mentioned that acupuncture for my stomach issues could really help, but I have never really listened however, perhaps I really should.
I figure it cannot make your symptoms worse-so why not?!
Thanks so much for your review! I’ve been hesitant on trying acupuncture because I thought it might hurt. Although I don’t mind needle when I’m getting blood drawn, I thought this might be more painful since the needles stay in your skin. Glad to hear that you didn’t have any pain.
Honestly, I was so surprised that I could not feel them at all!
I’ve been so interested in acupuncture! Thank you for sharing your experience…I’m still terrified of the super long needles, but it’s good to know it doesn’t hurt!
They really did not hurt at all and they were really small needles
I have never tried either of those. How fun to try it out!
It really was a fun experience I am glad I had the chance to
I have never tried acupuncture, although oddly enough, some of my animals have had it! I am open to it. I briefly had a cupping demo at my chiropractors — once.
Boy, all the stuff you *should* do could take up an entire day — or more!
I know seriously!
While it’s not exactly the same as acupuncture, I’ve gotten a ton of relief both times I’ve dry needled my hip. When my PT first suggested it I thought it was BS, but I was also desperate enough to try anything. Dry needling is a bit different than acupuncture because after they stick the needles in, they add electric stim on the needles. The purpose is to destroy the trigger points in the muscle, and that is what HURTS. But somehow, it totally works! I am a total believer now.
I have not tried dry needling myself but I have heard that it works well for lots.
This is so interesting! I’ve never tried either one before but I’ve heard of them both from so many people!! I’m glad they helped you!!
It was really interesting to have the chance to try them both out
I’ve never done cupping, but I have considered it. It does sound very therapeutic and beneficial. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I really enjoyed it and would definitely do it again
I’ve thought about having acupuncture done to my back which tightens up and stiffs every so often! Both treatments are so beneficial for sure!
It’s worth a try!
ahh haha I totally thought of Michael Phelps after reading “cupping” I tried acupuncture once, but it wasn’t a very relaxing set up (it was in a big seminar with lots going on in the same room) I’ll have to try it for real some time! Thanks for sharing
I hope you have another chance to try it again to see how it compares
I have never tried either but have been intrigued by both. Having never researched it, I was not aware that cupping could be done without the residual red marks…good to know!
Interesting! I’ve never tried either of these and I really thought that acupuncture looked like it hurt. Weirdly, I have a friend who says acupressure and acupuncture work great to help her allergies.
I’ve always wanted to give both of these a try. Thanks so much for sharing your experience!
I had a TERRIBLE experience with cupping. I’m fairly certain the person who did it had no idea what they were doing. He also didn’t TELL ME he was doing it and it hurt so much. It was a very unwelcome surprise and I will never let someone touch me with one of those darn cups again! It sounds like your experience was much more pleasant.
I have not tried acupuncture. I know cupping helped with my PF. Not sure if it would have gone away 100% if I were able to do the treatments more regularly, but I did go for several weeks several times a week.
I love acupuncture but I haven’t tried cupping. This was really interesting.
I have never tried cupping or acupuncture but definitely would if given the opportunity!
I hope you have the chance to try them!
Both are on my list to try, thank you for sharing your experience!
Hope you have the chance to-I promise the needles did not hurt at all
Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad you were able to get some relief from these. Sounds like it’s definitely worth trying!
It was really interesting!
I have been intrigued about cupping and like you thought they would leave marks as well. I could use these on my calves too. They always seem to be the tightest part of my body after runs.
my calves are always tight!
Very cool. I haven’t tried either, but I’m definitely open to it!
I was glad to have had the chance to try them out!
I love your open mind and willingness to try things–I agree that the hardest part is sticking to something like this long-term!
Yes how to find time to do all the rehab and prehab is the hard part!
Interesting! I think I’d be more inclined to try acupuncture vs cupping, just because I feel like I’ve seen more research on acupuncture. But who knows, maybe I’ll give both a whirl someday! 🙂
Hope you have the chance to!
I’ve never tried either but really want to! In Virginia Beach the treatments are really pricey so that has deterred me some. I love holistic care so I really should give it a go.
One of my friends had her insurance cover the acupuncture treatment so you might want to look into that as well
I never tried acupuncture but I definitely would. I’m not scared just never really digged deep into what acupuncture really is. That’s why this is very helpful. Thanks!
Oh good glad you found it interesting. It is fun to try out new techniques bc you just never know what might resonate with your body
I’m familiar with acupuncture but cupping, not so much. I’ve been curious about cupping so this was great to read.
I was glad to have the chance to try it out and really did find it helpful for my calf pain.
I’ve never tried either but my advisor does acupuncture and I wanna learn from her! 😛 I’ve done “gua sha” (semi-similar to cupping) to someone in the past and it seemed to help her!
It would be fun to learn how do it!
I haven’t tried cupping, but I’ve been going to acupuncture recently and I’m a fan! Glad to know you didn’t get those circles. 🙂
Glad to hear that acupuncture is helping you!
I’ve done both cupping and acupuncture, though I’ve had much more experience with acupuncture. I’m a fan of both and I think if you can find the right practitioner both can be very beneficial. Glad you had a good first experience.
Yes I agree!