Cupping for Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and Joint Pain
 

Rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and pain in the joints are conditions that can cause severe pain to the patient in addition to loss of mobility and stiffness. Over time, they can lead to disability and deformity, and possibly, even need surgery for correcting. Typically, these conditions arise because of inflammation or swelling in the affected parts of the body. Cupping therapy can work to reduce the inflammation and heal the target area. In this way, this form of noninvasive therapy is highly effective in reducing symptoms and helping ease of movement. To understand how cupping works, one must first understand the condition in detail.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Explained
While rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that primarily targets the joints, after a long period, the patient might begin to notice its adverse effects on the blood and blood vessels, heart, spleen, lymph nodes, skin, and even the lungs. In addition to pain and difficulty in moving, the patient may experience other symptoms such as malaise, fever, and weight loss.

Both men and women can get rheumatoid arthritis, but women are three times more prone to getting the disease. It usually appears in the ages from 40 to 60 years, though people of all ages are susceptible to it. Caused by inflammation, patients notice that the swelling, pain, and immobility is more severe in the mornings for about half an hour. Aside from other effects, this disease can result in deformities and even, shorten the patient’s life span.

Fibromyalgia and Joint Pains Explained
Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects the muscles and bones of the patient. Patients with this disease talk about body pain and extreme exhaustion without having undergone any stressful physical activity. They also complain about disturbed sleep patterns and eventually, depression and anxiety. Fibromyalgia makes movement difficult and lowers the pain threshold of the patient.

Osteoarthritis is the typical cause of pain in the joints. It usually occurs when the cartilage that protects and cushions the joints wears away with age. When the bones rub against each other, patients feel severe pain. While this condition could affect people over the age of 50, they can also get it if they are overweight or have had some prior injuries in the joints. A genetic propensity for osteoarthritis can also cause joint pains like in the knees, neck, and shoulders. Patients that have neck and shoulder pain for a long time often notice a severe loss in mobility. This is because, nerves in these areas lead to the body’s circulatory and central nervous systems.

How Cupping Helps
The discomfort and loss of mobility caused by rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and joint pain is because of swelling in the affected areas. When the cups with vacuum are placed on these specific areas, the skin is lifted off over the muscles and organs. Fresh blood rushes to fill the space bringing with it new oxygen and nutrients. This fresh infusion not only helps to heal the swelling, but also works to carry away the accumulated toxins that cause the swelling.

Among the different toxins that cause inflammation is the protein group called cytokines that must be removed. Uric acid is yet another compound that builds up in the tissues and causes swelling. In addition to causing swelling, these elements hamper the creation of fresh collagen and proteoglycans that are the building blocks of the collagen.

Aside from blood, the vacuum also attracts fresh lymph circulation. Lymph can remove the inflammation causing toxins and bring in immune cells that assist in the healing process. Together the blood and lymph reduce the swelling and alleviate the pain the patients feel. In addition, the therapist might also recommend that the patients get lots of rest to allow the area to heal well.

While dry cupping should suffice to correct the problem, if needed, the therapist might also recommend that the patient opt for wet cupping. This form of cupping therapy helps remove the toxins better. Depending on the severity of the inflammation and pain, the therapist might ask the patient to come in for follow-up sessions for about 2 to 4 weeks.

Results of Cupping
Immediately, after the cupping session, patients report a marked improvement in their pain levels. They also notice that the stiffness had subsided greatly and movement in the knees, shoulders and necks becomes much easier. Interestingly, some patients also receive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a condition where a nerve in the wrist is pressed. As a result, patients complain of weakness and pain in the forearm and hand.

Given these significant improvements in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, joint pains, and carpal tunnel syndrome, it would be safe to say that cupping therapy is the best form of noninvasive treatment for patients.