CUPPING AND BACK PAIN

Cupping can be very helpful in treating lower back pain and chronic upper back and shoulder strain. It is known that an injury can rupture small blood vessels, causing blood to pool in the tissues.

This blood freezes, impairs the normal circulation of blood, Qi and fluids, and prevents muscle fibers from gently slipping on top of each other. The interruption of normal circulation also affects the functioning of the muscles and tendons and makes the injured area more susceptible to cold.

Both cause contraction and constriction. However, this can work both ways. Muscles that are chronically tightened due to stress, poor posture or disuse can also restrict normal circulation and eventually cause stagnation of Qi, blood and fluids. This vicious circle, the outline of which appears above, is often the mechanism that perpetuates chronic back pain.