Acupuncture and Cupping

Needles with electrical stimulation to release pain in my quad.

Yes, I was a skeptic.  I won't pretend that I wasn't.  However, I am always open to listening and trying what some would call "alternative" medicine.

I am happy that I did.  

According to Wikipedia, acupuncture is a collection of procedures, which involves the stimulation of points on the body using a variety of techniques, such as penetrating the skin with needles that are then manipulated manually or by electrical stimulation. 

It is one of the key components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and is among the oldest healing practices in the world. According to the traditional Chinese medicine approach, stimulating specific acupuncture points corrects imbalances in the flow of qi through channels known as meridians. Scientific investigation has not found any histological or physiological correlates for traditional Chinese concepts such as qi, meridians and acupuncture points and some contemporary practitioners needle the body foregoing the traditional Chinese approach.

In addition to the needles and electrical stimulation, I have received "cupping."  It is complimentary to acupuncture and is also part of Chinese medicine.  

Additional notes from Acupuncture Today, in a typical cupping session, glass cups are warmed using a cotton ball or other flammable substance, which is soaked in alcohol, let, then placed inside the cup. Burning a substance inside the cup removes all the oxygen, which creates a vacuum.

In my case, the cup was placed over an expired match so that the smoke could heat the glass.  

As the substance burns, the cup is turned upside-down so that the practitioner can place the cup over a specific area. The vacuum created by the lack of oxygen anchors the cup to the skin and pulls it upward on the inside of the glass as the air inside the jar cools. Drawing up the skin is believed to open up the skin’s pores, which helps to stimulate the flow of blood, balances and realigns the flow of qi, breaks up obstructions, and creates an avenue for toxins to be drawn out of the body.

This is actually my favorite part of the treatment with Ginna at The Remedy Clinic in North Raleigh.  I have had multiple cupping treatments, focusing on the upper and lower back, as well as with soreness and tightness related to my hip labral tear. It is awesome.  

If you feel that you have tried enough massage and active release, electric stimulation and just want to see what else is out there, go see a licensed Acupuncturist and ask about acupuncture and cupping.  I have no other recommendations except to see Ginna, as I have only been treated by her.  

To this date I have had five appointments and plan to have two more before my surgery.  It keeps the pain down and alleviates the extreme soreness.  I believe that if I can keep the swelling down, inflammation minimal, then I can best create a healing environment for post-surgery.  Plus, as selfish as it may sound, I can continue to train and help my body heal because of the training.  It's a "catch 22".  I need to be strong for recovery, but training creates mild pain.  Well, I will take minor pain and a faster recovery please.

Read more about Acupuncture.