Cupping therapy in Wokingham, Berkshire
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1. About
Cupping therapy is the placement of glass, plastic or bamboo cups on specific areas of the body using a vacuum to relieve muscle tension and pain.
The type of cups typically made from glass, bamboo, plastic or silicone. It is believed that placing these cups on specific areas of the body helps to move stagnant Qi (energy) and increase blood flow allowing the body to detoxify accumulations in the muscles and promote better general health.
After having treatment, it can feel like you've had a deep tissue massage and is very relaxing, especially when the cups are taken off and you can relax in your own skin again.
2. History of cupping
Cupping has been used in Europe, the Middle East (called Hijama by the Muslims) and East Asia for thousands of years to treat a variety of health problems and promote healing.
It has a long history of use in the UK and Europe and can be traced back to Hippocrates in Greece. It was used in St Thomas' Hospital, London up until the start of the 20th century.
Its use in modern western medicine declined however, but still remained popular in East Asia, where it was brought from and reintroduced into westernised countries over the last few decades, where it is now considered an alternative medicine. Recently it's been made famous by the Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, which demonstrates the effectiveness of cupping for his muscle tension prior to competing.
3. How cupping therapy works
Traditionally, a flame is used to create a vacuum inside the glass cup before it's applied to the problem area on the body. Nowadays, a pump is used instead to draw the air out of the plastic cup creating a vacuum and suction. There is no difference between glass or plastic cups except for safety reasons as the pump is safer and has less side effects.
It is a great way of releasing tension in a large muscle area quickly. It can be more effective than massage alone and works well when combined together with other traditional Chinese medicine therapies such as acupuncture or gua sha.
4. Our cupping therapist
Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto BM (Beijing), BSc (Hons) TCM, MBAcC, MATCM
Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto has been practicing acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for over 20 years. He is passionate about empowering people with the ancient knowledge of Chinese medicine through knowledge, lifestyle and diet. This knowledge can be used again and again in people's lives and those of their family.
Dr (TCM) D'Alberto graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China. This full time, five year degree program included six months internship at two of the largest hospitals in Beijing, China.
Dr (TCM) D'Alberto practices cupping therapy from his own clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. He is a member of the British Acupuncture Council.
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