When Michael Phelps made his debut at the Olympic games in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, the audience noticed his body a little something different. Back and shoulders the famous swimmer covered perfectly symmetrical round bruises.
This is a typical marks, which leaves cupping therapy – the direction of ancient Chinese medicine. It has existed for many centuries, but in recent times it has become popular among Western stars: she likes Justin Bieber, David Arquette and Alex Naddour. Let’s see how it works and whether it works at all.
How is the treatment the banks?
The technician dips a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and ignites in a glass medical jar. Then the Bank quickly put on the patient’s skin. Creates a vacuum effect, and the skin begins to shrink.
Why is it done?
Supporters of the therapy say that due to the reduction of the skin is increased blood flow. “This is a natural method of treatment,” says Dr. Houman Danesh, associate Professor of anesthesiology and rehabilitation medicine at the mount Sinai hospital. “The acceleration of blood flow may be useful to start or restart a stalled healing process”.
Dr. Reid Blackwelder, former President of the American Academy of family physicians, believes that muscle therapy is considered “sterile inflammation”. The body begins to think that he got an injury and causes an inflammatory response. As a result, in region where put the banks, are activated the antibodies.
Isn’t that dangerous?
If you take care of sterility, no. The bruises look scary, but during the procedure, patients do not feel pain.
And how effective is the treatment of the banks?
Separate studies have shown that it helps with carpal tunnel syndrome, and for chronic pain in lower back and neck.
But Dr. Blackwelder to banks is skeptical and does not use them in their practice. Too little evidence that cupping therapy may be something to cure. The doctor believes that the cases of recovery is the placebo effect: “If people believe that they are treated, and sometimes that’s enough.”
According to a study published in the journal “Acupuncture in medicine”, in the results of a placebo can also play a big role.
Should you try it?
Scientists have no definite answer to the question “does the treatment of the banks?”, but they are sure it is secure. But if you believe that this therapy helps, you really can get better.
“Cupping can be a good complementary therapy,” says Dr. Blackwelder. “The associated risks are small.”
But if you have impaired blood clotting, you should not try. And if you are taking medicationwhose side effects are bleeding (e.g. aspirin or ibuprofen), too. Banks may even more harm your blood vessels.
What about acupuncture? If this is the direction of Chinese medicine? Understand the article is “Acupuncture: does treatment with needles?”.