AcuBoston October Newsletter

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Embracing Sweater Weather

As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold, and the air carries that unmistakable hint of cinnamon and cloves, we can’t help but get swept up in the enchanting embrace of fall — sweater weather, crisp apples, and, of course, everything pumpkin spice!

In the same way a perfectly crafted pumpkin spice latte warms your soul on a chilly October morning, acupuncture has the power to balance your body’s energy, leaving you feeling revitalized and ready to embrace the season.

We’ve brewed up a blend of wisdom, insights, and acupuncture tips to spice your fall wellness routine.

Beyond Needles: Exploring the Art and Science of Cupping

A few months ago, we shared a social media post of the actor Samuel L. Jackson enjoying time on his yacht. While he appeared to have several oversized googly eyes attached to his body, he was experiencing a modality of acupuncture called “cupping.”

What in the world is cupping?
While needle acupuncture targets energy flow through meridians, cupping works wonders by creating a vacuum within specialized cups, drawing skin and muscle upwards. Cupping enhances circulation, encourages lymphatic drainage, and activates the body's innate healing abilities. The suction action of cups fools the body into thinking that an injury is happening where the cups are. In resolving the injury, our clever brain dispatches extra help: white blood cells to clean away the debris from the injury and fresh, nutrient-rich blood to repair the damage.

What does it feel like?
While acupuncture's needles are like tiny energy conductors, cupping offers a sensation closer to a deeply soothing massage. The cups come in various forms: glass cups ignited with fire for a gentle suction, silicon cups for those sensitive to heat, or even modern, pump-operated cups. When the cups come off your body, they leave circular marks that we nick-named, ‘octopus kisses’. The darker the circles left after cupping, the more your connective tissues, aka fascia or muscles, were stressed or overworked prior to the treatment. For some patients, the cupping marks are the darkest around the perimeter and lighter inside. That usually means your body is trying to eliminate toxins, like after a night on the town or a big birthday celebration.

Who benefits the most from cupping? Is cupping for me?
Cupping doesn't pierce the skin like acupuncture needles do, making it a fantastic option for those who might shy away from the idea of needles. It's also a magnificent way to tap into your body's energy pathways without a single poke. Cupping is very popular, but some counter-indications for cupping have to be followed, as well as special aftercare practices. If you are on blood thinners, have a blood disorder, or are a very weak person, cupping is not for you. You also don’t want to exercise or be at the pool or a beach the day after cupping.

What symptoms are alleviated from cupping?
Cupping therapy can help alleviate symptoms such as muscle tension, pain, inflammation, and respiratory ailments. It’s also been known to relieve stress and anxiety and can be used to stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage. It has been used to soothe ADHD symptoms.

Curious to cup? Mention your interest at your next acupuncture appointment and we’ll discuss how cupping can complement your existing treatment!

Fall is the season for sneezing from seasonal triggers like ragweed and goldenrod. AcuBoston can create custom herbal supplements based on these seasonal triggers and others. Contact Polina at 1-617-860-2039 or s chedule a free telemedicine consult to learn more.

Please note: Effective immediately, the price of herbal medicine formulas will increase, mainly due to the increased cost of ingredients.

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polina@acuboston.com

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