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What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping became part of the mainstream conversation as Michael Phelps competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics with round bruises covering his back. But did you know that cupping originated from ancient Chinese and Egyptian medicine, which have existed for thousands of years? One of the world’s oldest medical textbooks, Ebers Papyrus, written in 1550 BC, mentions cupping.
Cupping can be an excellent remedy for stiff and tight muscles that have been sedentary for long periods. It can help to loosen up the back and support the body to get blood and fluids into tissues that have been dry and stiff.
We also use it to help clear things out of the body, such as excess heat, damp, cold, and wind, considered pathogenic factors in Chinese medicine that can create all sorts of mischief inside the body.
From a Western medical perspective, cupping creates a local site of inflammation in the body. The body will send a flood of fighter cells systemically throughout the body and the local area whenever that inflammatory response cascades.
This means that a cupping session could be a great way to help the body kickstart its healing process when recovering from something like a cold or the flu.
All the following conditions contraindicate cupping therapy: open wounds, inflamed tissue, bleeding injuries (external and internal), fractures, and complete tendon ruptures.
How does it work?
An initial suction is created by manually pumping it; after the cups are applied to your skin, they are left on for a few minutes. Suction from cupping draws fluid into the treated area. This suction force expands and breaks open tiny blood vessels (capillaries) under your skin. Your body replenishes the cupped areas with healthier blood flow and stimulates proper healing at a cellular level. Like a backward deep tissue massage, this increases blood flow to the compromised site, enhances circulation, and helps the body heal.
Cupping Therapy Video
The best way to understand cupping therapy is to watch a professional demonstrate it. Check out this short video where Lilly performs the technique.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
- Reduces painful trigger points in the body
- Improves the circulation of blood and lymph in the body
- Pain relief
- Increases the range of motion and mobility of the joints, as many types of arthritis disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, affect the joints
- Alleviates back, neck, knee, and shoulder pain, breathing problems such as asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, and migraines
- Beneficial for fascia conditions such as plantar fasciitis
Does it hurt?
Generally, cupping is one of the least painful techniques that we do. The relief you feel once the cups come off makes it all worthwhile. You will usually feel much looser and like you’ve been released from a straight jacket, in a good way.
How long do the marks last?
This is one of the main questions people ask and is different for every situation. It can depend on how much pressure is in the cup, how long the cups are left on, and how susceptible you are to bruise. People with very fair skin tend to bruise more easily. Healthy circulation should clear up the marks within a week, and then they will be faint or gone altogether.
When not to cup?
In some conditions and situations, cupping may not be appropriate. Cupping is not advised in high blood thinner dosages, thin or frail people, or those with fragile skin. Avoiding it if you have active cancer, skin trauma, or a blood disorder is also recommended. Regardless, you should always share your medication list and health history with your practitioner.
Also, if you don’t want big cupping marks left on you, consider whether you should have cupping, as the effects can last over a week. If you have a wedding and wear a backless dress, you may want to rethink cupping and try it later.
Ready To Try Cupping Therapy?
Many clients love receiving cupping, but it is one of those experiences that won’t make sense until you have tried it out for yourself. If you have any questions about cupping therapy, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
