Cupping Therapy

Mar 22, 2018

The use of cupping has become increasingly popular worldwide, especially among (professional) athletes. Cupping therapy is one of the favorite therapies for athletes, in reducing the tension of the muscles, promoting recovery of an injury and thereby improving their overall performance. This, however, is just a small part of what cupping can be used for.

Cupping is known in the larger part of China as an ancient traditional therapy. In TCM cupping therapy is not only used for muscle pain but also for deep detoxification of the body. This is because it stimulates blood circulation and helps to remove blockages of the Qi (energy).

When placed on the body along important acupuncture points, the vacuum action of cupping forces subcutaneous connective tissue, muscles and blood vessels to contract. This stimulation triggers a series of neuro-endocrine responses, thereby better regulating vasomotor function and vascular permeability. Local blood circulation is improved, which in general promotes recovery.

The stimulation of specific acupuncture points also removes blockages in the meridians, and thereby improves the flow of energy. And a good energy flow results in a stronger overall condition.

Because of the detoxification effect of cupping, the immune system is activated, which strengthens the body’s own resistance. Usually, a kind of dark red or purplish color appears on the skin after cupping, which automatically recovers after a few days. This is a positive sign of the ongoing detox process.

At ChinaMedic we use a modern cupping technique, whereby the cup can be vacuumed on the skin via a pump. It is safe method and easy adjustablein creating the desired pressure.

Cupping therapy is suitable for stress related issues such as headaches, muscle tension, RSI, sport related injuries, back-, arm- or shoulder injuries and stiffness, or frozen shoulder. Furthermore, regular application of cupping can help support wellness and good health.

After a session it is advised to drink plenty of (luke)warm water and to wait with taking a shower until the following day.

We do not recommend cupping during pregnancy, people with high blood pressure, people suffering from blood diseases or cardiovascular diseases.

Frequently asked questions

How can Acupuncture help?

More than a thousand years acupuncture has been used to remedy and improve a wide range of diseases and complaints. For an acupuncturist the approach is simple: energy either flows or it doesn’t. The symptoms show where in the body there may be a blockage and how this affects the rest of the body. In addition the acupuncturist focuses on activating the self-healing ability of our bodies.This makes acupuncture applicable for many health issues such as pain complaints, infertility, ringing in the ears, sleep disorders, skin problems, allergies, addictions, depression, menopausal complaints, burnout, RSI and so on. If you want to know how far acupuncture can help you, you are welcome to come by for a check up consultation so the acupuncturist can tell you what we can do.

How many times do I have to come?

It depends on your medical condition. In most cases you will respond faster to frequent acupuncture treatments. It is quite common to start with 1-2 times per week. Once your condition is stabilized, we can start lowering the frequency. When you come for your first consultation, we will make a specific treatment plan for you.

What does an Acupuncturist do?

The main task of an acupuncturist is to stimulate your self-healing ability. Acupuncture works by balancing the body’s Qi (a form of bioenergy that runs alongside meridians). During an acupuncture treatment, your acupuncturist inserts very thin needles into specific spots on your body, your body will receive the physiological signal from the needle to trigger a self-healing ability.

How long does it take before I notice results?

In acute complaints, an effect is noticed after 1-3 treatments on average. In the case of chronic complaints, this is after 5-10 treatments. It is important to maintain the frequency of your treatment so that you can achieve the desired results

I am pregnant, can I get Acupuncture?

Yes; acupuncture can help you during your pregnancy.

With acupuncture, pregnancy complaints are treated in a natural way and without side effects. The treatment aims to restore the energy balance in your body. Your hormones will also be brought back into balance. As a result, the complaints quickly subside. In addition, the acupuncturist will of course treat your specific complaints. Such as: nausea, headache, migraine, sleeping problems etc.

Why do I need to be treated more often in the beginning?

Acupuncture is a mild stimulation to your body. It is important to be treated often in the beginning so that there is more recovery than relapse. As soon as the symptoms decrease, the frequency decreases. As soon as the complaints do not return at all, the treatment is finished.

Advice for before and after Acupuncture?

Avoid heavy physical and/or mental exertion immediately before and immediately after the treatment, we also advise against stress immediately before and after each treatment. And please do not use alcohol or drugs immediately before or after treatment.

How much time does an appointment take?

We have three type of appointments. 

First we have a consultation combined with acupuncture. Here you and the acupuncturist have a conversation about your symptoms and the acupuncturist will diagnose your imbalances, you get an advised treatment schedule and this will be followed by your (first) acupuncture treatment. This usually takes an hour. 

There is also the follow-up treatment. The acupuncturist will treat your diagnosed symptoms according to the treatment schedule. This usually takes 45 minutes

Some people are still learning about acupuncture, they want to claim more knowledge about this method and also get to know their imbalances. Therefore you could book a consultation, this appointment takes 30 minutes.

Is Acupuncture painful?

We use extreme thin needles about the width of two human hairs for Abdominal Acupuncture. The pricks are barely noticeable. Sometimes people don't even feel where they are. Occasionally someone can perceive a strange feeling, also described as tingling, numbness, heaviness, and other feelings. We call this "DeQi" (activating energy) sensation in acupuncture, this is normal, often this feeling is over in a small matter of time.

Still afraid of needles? We have a good solution! The LaserNeedle which we often use is not invasive at all and you will not feel anything. The LaserNeedle is ideally suited for those who are afraid of needles and small children.

What does an Acupuncture treatment cost?

ChinaMedic is affiliated with the NVA (Dutch Association of Acupuncture) and treatment is reimbursed by most insurers in the supplementary. It is advisable to contact your insurer what this exactly means for you. For a full price list of all our treatments CLICK HERE

Can Acupuncture Help With Pregnancy?

Yes, acupuncture can improve your fertility as much for men as it does for women The ChinaMedic Approach with abdominal acupuncture significantly increases the chance of pregnancy both through natural conception as IUI or IVF. In both cases we also support you with nutritional advice and, if necessary, herbal therapy. A lot of clients have successfully become mothers and fathers with this treatment method. The acupuncturist will make a treatment schedule with you during your first consultation. Read more about Acupuncture and Pregnancy here.

How much time between Acupuncture?

During your first consultation, the acupuncturist will make a statement. In principle, you can do acupuncture every day. Depending on your complaints, the most applicable frequency is once or twice a week. In severe pain, the frequency is sometimes two or three times a week. In that case, it is more effective than starting with once a week. The pain sometimes returns in between (due to daily strain and stress). As you get treated more often, the pain usually gets less and less.

How do I book an appointment?

You can call our reception 020-6167615 or schedule an appointment on our website.

Are There Any Side Effects of Acupuncture?

No, if you are treated by a professional acupuncturist there are no side effects. There are sometimes reactions after acupuncture: fatigue, dizziness, emotional discharge or something we call a "Healing Crisis" during the first period. Don't worry, this means your body is showing a response and the recovery process has started. Always communicate with the acupuncturist how you are feeling.

Tip: Have a small meal in preparation for the treatment. This is good for fatigue and dizziness after the acupuncture.

What if my symptoms get worse during the treatment?

While most people notice a clear reduction in their symptoms after an acupuncture treatment, very few can experience a slight worsening of symptoms after a treatment. Do not worry, we call this a "healing crisis", your body is responding, and your energy is in motion. 

In terms of acupuncture, it means that your primary objective has been achieved, as you are changing on multiple levels from stuck to loosening. Make sure to always communicate with the acupuncturist over time how you are feeling and what the reactions are.

Why do some acupuncture points hurt more than others?

This is because of the acu-point locations on the body. Some points are just more sensitive than others! The fingers and toes have a higher concentration of nerve endings near the surface of the skin, so points on the extremities are naturally more sensitive than those closer to the center of the body.

Opening hours

Monday       9:30 - 17:00
Tuesday       9:30 - 17:00
Wednesday       Closed
Thursday       9:30 - 17:00
Friday       Closed
Saturday       9:30 - 17:00
Sunday       Closed

 

Contact

Acupunctuur Kliniek ChinaMedic

Postjesweg 36
1057 EB
Amsterdam West

+31 (0) 20 616 76 15

receptie@chinamedic.nl

Most insurers reimburse the costs.

Location

Gratis consult (10min.)

Open dag 16 juni zondag
(16 jaar jubileum)
Vrij inloop 09:30-12:00 uur
Postjesweg 36 te Amsterdam
(gratis parkeren)
Een kopje lekker Chinese thee

Free consultation (10min.)

Open day 16 June Sunday
Time: 09:30-12:00 uur
Postjesweg 36 in Amsterdam
(Free parking)
Enjoy a cup of Chinese tea
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