Testing a High-tech Cupping Therapy Device from Achedaway at Home
Well, I’ve had a good time these past couple of weeks testing out this high-tech cupping device from Achedaway! This was my very first experience with cupping and, overall, I do think this is a useful aid for recovery. Click the video above to watch my review on YouTube or read on for my thoughts below.
Disclaimer: I received this product, free of charge for testing, but this is my own honest, independent review. I’ve been a gear nerd my entire life and I hope you will find my experiences insightful!
Build Quality
The device is well-made; no complaints here. It comes with three different cups that can easily be screwed in/out to help target any body part you choose. The different sizes ensure that you can create a nice, even suction on smaller or larger body parts.
I’m fairly critical of the way things are designed and there is nothing about this device that troubles me. It does what it’s supposed to do and I believe it will last several years without issue. I am zooming through this section because there’s not much to report; build quality is good.
Functionality
There are 5 different modes that actually just function in different “rhythms”. Some will create suction quickly and release quickly, effectively massaging and pumping your body. Others suction slowly and release slowly. And of course, there are modes that create a strong suction and hold it there, as in the traditional form of cupping.
Intensity
There are 5 levels of intensity and I used the device exclusively on the lowest setting. It quite easily provides a powerful suction and I did, in fact, bruise my body all over! There is no reason to be concerned about lack of power; this thing packs a punch!
Connectivity and Control
Aside from the buttons on the top of the cupper, you can sync up to 6 devices to the Achedaway app and control them from there. While I only had a single device to test, the app is very useful when you are lying prone and can’t reach back to fiddle with the buttons. You can also set a timer that will cause the suction to auto-release after a given period, (1-12 minutes). I appreciated that most of all because I could completely tune out and focus on relaxation without spending too long in any one spot. The device will beep and release suction after the chosen interval.
How I Use This Device
As a yogi and meditator, I naturally want to use this cupper to boost the effectiveness of my personal healing practices. Since the device is hands-free once engaged, I am then able to focus my mind and harness my intention to send relaxation and healing energy to the exact area the cupper is working on. The physical stimulation provided by the cupper helps me focus more easily on the specific spot I’d like to target. 20 or 30 minutes of surrendering to the flow of energy within and I’m definitely feeling good!
Cupping vs. Massage Gun
I’m quite fond of my massage gun and I’ve been trying to come up with a meaningful way to compare the two. I would say that the main difference is that with the massage gun, you are constantly moving. It is an active recovery practice. With cupping, you let the device do the work while you rest and relax. Naturally, the second approach will result in more full-body relaxation. The massage gun will let you target muscles more deeply so I would say they both have different strengths.
I do think the massage gun is a more useful tool for daily muscle recovery because, when used properly, you can treat yourself with it everyday. The cupping device is not meant to be used in the same location every day, as the user’s manual warns against cupping an area that is still bruised from previous use. So if you want to hit your upper traps every day, the massage gun would be the better choice. Also, I think it would be wise to avoid using the massage gun on an area with heavy bruising!
Please keep in mind that I am new to cupping so this is very much my initial impression only, but I would say that massage guns are better for muscle recovery and cupping is better for systemic relaxation and stress relief. I did find decreased tension and soreness from the cupping, but what really impressed me was how relaxed I was in body/mind/emotions after a cupping session. Obviously, this has to do partially with the fact that you’re just lying there and RECEIVING treatment, but the cupping does have a positive effect. My time with the massage gun just has never relaxed me mentally or emotionally in the same way.
Basically, I think that a full cupping session once a week or so would be excellent to boost relaxation and healing, while the massage gun would be my top pick for daily treatment.
Obviously the BEST way to keep yourself functioning optimally would be to commit to a daily energy practice! I’ve recently posted a great daily practice to YouTube to help you boost the flow of energy within you. Click the video below to try it out!
Wrapping Up
I’m definitely intrigued by my experience with cupping so far. I would love to experience a full, professional cupping session to gain a better understanding of how to maximize the benefits I’m feeling; I’m still a complete noob! It does seem like a wonderful way to help increase relaxation and to boost the flow of internal energy. So to anyone out there looking for deeper levels of relaxation, I would encourage you to do some research into cupping and see if it might be a good fit for your schedule. I imagine it will work beautifully for anyone who also enjoys receiving acupuncture, since they both come from TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), and both work to boost healing and recovery by improving the flow of energy within you.
I can’t comment as to the effectiveness of this modern device vs the traditional methods, but I can say that this has helped improve the way my body feels and I will continue using it as part of my healing regime. I will be sure to report back later on when I have gained some additional insights from further us.
I hope this information has helped you and I wish you all the best in your life!
