The Surprising Benefits of Cupping
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine that involves the use of small glass or plastic cups to create suction on the skin. It is believed to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation. Cupping has gained popularity in recent years as a treatment for a variety of conditions, including improving fertility.
But how does it actually work, and is there science to back it up? The following four studies are encouraging for our purposes:
A systematic review published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine analyzed five randomized controlled trials that studied the effects of cupping on fertility. The results showed that cupping therapy significantly increased the number of follicles (developing eggs on the surface of the ovaries) and improved ovarian function overall.
Another study, published in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, found that cupping therapy improved the quality of the uterine lining in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). The study included 40 women who received either cupping therapy or a placebo treatment. The results showed that the group receiving cupping therapy had a thicker uterine lining and a higher pregnancy rate compared to the placebo group.
A further study, published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, found that cupping therapy improved menstrual regularity and reduced pain in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common cause of fertility issues in women, and the study's results suggest that cupping therapy may be a useful treatment for improving fertility in women with PCOS.
In addition to its potential fertility-enhancing effects, cupping therapy may also have other benefits for women trying to conceive. A study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that cupping therapy reduced stress and anxiety in women undergoing IVF. Stress and anxiety can negatively impact fertility, so reducing these factors may improve a woman's chances of getting pregnant.
Cupping therapy has been shown to increase the number of follicles, improve ovarian function, and increase the chance of pregnancy. It may also improve menstrual regularity, reduce pain in women with PCOS, and reduce stress and anxiety in women undergoing IVF.
Our 6-month fertility optimization program, ELEMENTAL CONCEPTION, includes 10 cupping sessions designed to work in harmony with the many other healing modalities. Want to learn more?
Please CONTACT US to set up a consultation to discuss how we may incorporate cupping into your plan for conception.
References:
Wang, L., et al. (2016). “Cupping therapy for female infertility: A systematic review.” Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 6(3), 228-234.
Liu, H., et al. (2016). “The effect of cupping therapy on uterine vascularity in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization: A randomized controlled trial.” Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 33(8), 1011-1017.
Zhang, Y., et al. (2017). “The effect of cupping therapy on menstrual regularity and pain in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.” Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, 15(3), 161-166.
Li, Y., et al. (2016). “The effect of cupping therapy on anxiety and depression in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization: A randomized controlled trial.” Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 36(1), 25-30.
