Cupping therapy…
Sounds unfamiliar?
Cupping is an ancient Chinese method of treating diseases caused by local congestion, says Thushari Nilanka De Silva. Thushari who is following her diploma in Ayurveda has been practising alternative Chinese and acupuncture medicine for the past three years.
“Cupping therapy is still relatively unknown in Sri Lanka,” says Thushari who learnt this method from a Russian doctor of acupuncture attached to the Open University of Sri Lanka. She now practises this therapy at her treatment centre Anasuya in Nugegoda.
In ancient Ayurveda too, this therapy was practised with the use of animal horns and bamboo jars.
It is the best deep tissue massage available, she says, for it enhances draining of excess toxins, stimulates nerves and increases the blood flow to muscles. It is used to treat varicose veins, back pain, migraine, stiff neck, muscle pull (stiff muscles), fat reducing, abdominal pain, indigestion, hypertension, painful menstruation, arthritis and poisonous bites- both insect and snake.
Explaining how it works, she says a partial vacuum is created in a cupping jar with the help of heat and then applied to the skin. The cups are placed on the skin for 10-20 minutes. The underlying tissue is drawn up into the jar forming an area of blood stasis.
Dark blood drawn to the surface shows the stagnation, in other words the toxins in the blood. While ensuring that the therapy can be done with minimal pain, Thushari says that the scars left on the skin after receiving therapy will heal in a few days.
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| Thushari practises Cupping therapy at her treatment centre in Nugegoda. |
“We have plenty of pressure points in our body. Cupping therapy helps stimulate all these internal organs and body tissues. However, the patient should be diagnosed well prior to giving the therapy because cupping should not be done during menstruation and pregnancy,” she says.
This therapy is given to treat Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (the blockage of the nerve in the wrist) and to treat patients suffering from weak joints, the latter being a common phenomena among elderly Sri Lankans.
Cupping therapy is good for fat reduction too, she says.
“In China, cupping treatment is given in restaurants as a complimentary treatment. When someone visits a restaurant, the waiter offers the cups to be kept on their shoulders,” she adds.
Tips from Thushari
- Sleep on the floor whenever possible. That is the best way to stimulate the pressure points in your body. It’s like getting a free massage.
- As a habit try to drink Chinese/green tea. It helps drain out fat.
- There are pressure points in your body- ear, eyes, feet, tongue, Regular movements or massaging of these organs is important.
- Breathing exercises- go to an unpolluted place, preferably early in the morning. Take a deep breath; hold it for a few moments and then release.
- For puffy stomach-take a deep breath and always try to keep the stomach in, even when you are seated. By tightening your muscles, you exercise the stomach muscle. Keep on trying this.
- Correct posture is important. Follow the correct body movements when you sit, walk, bend etc.
- There are healing powers in the universe. The best way to let the energy of those natural healing powers flow on to your body is by engaging in meditation.
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