Cupping therapy seems to be an emerging trend amongst our athletes and celebrities.   Who can forget the lovely cupping kisses on Michael Phelps at the 2016 Rio Games.  Other celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston have been photographed with distinctive round marks on their body. 

Despite it seeming like a new “thing” Cupping has actually been around for centuries.  Practices that use cupping therapy date back to ancient China and even ancient Egypt.  Some Middle Eastern countries have evidence of various forms of cupping therapy being used as a therapeutic treatment for illness dating back to the 13th Century.   

As a Shiatsu Practitioner and Oriental Therapist I offer Cupping Therapy for my clients.  It can be given as a standalone treatment or incorporated into other therapeutic treatments.   Cupping can be used for numerous reasons including: 

• Pain
• Inflammation
• Improved blood flow
• Relaxation
• Myofascial Release
• Massage

One of the main reasons I tend to utilise cupping in my treatment is if a client presents with a “wind-cold” condition, excess conditions or a Ki flow problem.   Cupping therapy is said to move and disperse Ki particularly in lung conditions.   The suction created from the cups are said to draw Ki deep from within the body and help disperse pathogens out of the body. 

Theoretically what happens in a cupping session is blood and fluid are drawn to the area the cup is placed and the body has an inflammatory reaction which mobilises antibodies to ultimately heal the body.   I follow an oriental therapeutic method of placing cups on acupressure points and leaving them for 5 minutes – 10 minutes depending on the reason they are being used.  I also use slide cupping where oil is applied and the cup is placed on the skin and moved along the muscle or meridian line in a gliding action.

Cupping is generally considered safe, in-expensive and highly effective for treating muscle pain and as a relaxing method of massage.  Although it is a simple treatment it is advisable to ensure a qualified professional therapist who is experienced in cupping use this method of treatment. 

For more information on Cupping Therapy please contact Deb at Mindful Living Matters.

Breech presentation can impact on a mother’s decision for a natural birthing plan with 87% of babies presenting in a breech position resulting in a caesarean section according to a 2014 study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2016).  Often when a baby is presented breech medical teams adopt a “wait and see” attitude before external cephalic version (ECV) is performed after 36 weeks if baby has not turned.  While the risk with ECV is low the procedure involves the doctor physically rotating the baby with firm pressure often while mother and baby are monitored which may cause some discomfort.

Oriental therapy may offer another alternative.  Most babies will move into a head down position before 30 weeks; however it is quite normal for some babies not to still be breech at 32 weeks.  If your baby is still breech at 34 weeks you might like to speak to your midwife about consulting an Oriental Remedial therapist or Acupuncturist who includes Moxibustion as part of a treatment plan.
 
Moxibustion is a cost-effective, safe, pain free method of helping to resolve breech presentation.   Moxibustion is a herbal product that comes in the form of a dried wool or punk which can be used directly on the body or is compressed into a stick and used indirectly over areas of the body known as acupoints.  Moxa has a warming effect on the body and is said to stimulate and tonify qi, fluid and blood.

Moxa is used on Bladder 67 to stimulate foetal movement and encourage a breech baby to a headfirst position.  Ideally moxa is used 2 times daily for 20 – 30 minutes from 34 weeks until baby has turned.   Moxa can be used by the mother at home. Consultation with the midwife and oriental therapist may be required weekly or more frequently to monitor the progress.    

This form of treatment can be used in conjunction with other methods to encourage baby to turn.  In oriental medicine the root cause of a breech presentation can be a variety of reasons including lack of flow or stagnation of the body, physical stress or an emotional cause.    An Oriental Therapist will be able to help determine the root cause and assist with other options you might like to use to encourage a headfirst presentation.  
 
Some other methods you could include to encourage headfirst presentation:

• A regular Yoga Practice
• Gentle low impact aerobic activity
• Regular Massage
• Adequate Nutritional intake
• Adequate rest and sleep

These activities should be included throughout your whole pregnancy.   While there is no guarantee there is some anecdotal evidence to suggest a nourishing and nurturing lifestyle during the pregnancy can contribute to reducing the chance of breech presentation. 
 
References
AIHW (2016) Australian Mothers and Babies 2014 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Viewed online http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129557656
Chee, A (2013) Gentle Methods to Prevent and Turn Breech Babies, using Traditional Chinese Medicine, Midwifery Today viewed online EBSCOHOST
Steinlechner, A (2012) Should Acupuncture and Moxibustion be Routinely Recommended for the Treatment of Breech Presentation? Journal of Chinese Medicine Number 98 viewed online EBSCOHOST
Xu,J Deng, H and Shen, X (2014) Safety of Moxibustion: A Systemic Review of Case Reports, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine  Viewed online EBSCOHOST