Benefits of Cupping with Hand Massage During Winter
3. Boosting Immunity
Cupping and hand massage are believed to strengthen the immune system. By stimulating acupressure points on the hands and improving the flow of energy and blood, these therapies can enhance the body's defensive Qi. A strong defensive Qi is essential for warding off external pathogens like the cold, flu, and other viruses that tend to thrive in colder months.
4. Relieving Stress and Promoting Relaxation
The winter months can bring about a sense of stagnation, both physically and mentally. Hand massage targets specific points in the body that help relieve stress, calm the mind, and restore balance. When combined with cupping, which is also deeply relaxing, this can help alleviate the feelings of tension and sluggishness that often arise during colder seasons.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hand massage combined with cupping therapy is considered beneficial during the cold months for several reasons:
1. Boosting Circulation and Warming the Body
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which helps stimulate blood flow and promote circulation. This is especially useful in colder months when the body tends to become sluggish, and the cold can constrict blood vessels. Improved circulation helps warm the body, alleviating the cold feeling and increasing warmth in the extremities.
Hand massage, similarly, stimulates the flow of Qi (life energy) and blood through the meridians. The hands have many key acupressure points that, when massaged, can improve overall circulation, leading to warmth and better energy flow throughout the body.
2. Dispelling Cold and Dampness
In TCM, cold and dampness are pathogenic factors that can invade the body, especially during colder months. Cupping is thought to remove cold and dampness from the body by drawing them out through the skin and promoting warmth. This can help prevent issues like joint stiffness, muscle aches, and the development of cold-related illnesses such as respiratory infections.
5. Balancing Yin and Yang
Cold weather is considered Yin in nature, which is associated with cold, stillness, and inward energy. Hand massage and cupping work to balance Yin and Yang, providing warmth (Yang energy) and stimulating the flow of Qi, which keeps the body in harmony and prevents it from becoming too Yin-heavy during the cold months.
Together, these therapies help the body stay warm, balanced, and resilient during the colder seasons according to TCM principles.
Book Sarah for a cupping session for November and December and get a free hand massage.
