What is Cupping Therapy?
Have you ever been interested in cupping therapy? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know before you try it.
Remember Michael Phelps?
We all are very familiar with Olympic gold medalist, Michael Phelps, showing off his cupping marks during a relay at the 2016 Olympics. People were confused as to what they were and were probably a little turned off by them. Although it is a very popular recovery treatment among athletes, anyone can partake!
What exactly is cupping and how does it work?
Cupping is originally an ancient Chinese alternative medicine. Massage therapists, physical therapists, acupuncturists and certain doctors use cupping as a form of treatment. Traditionally, small and round glass cups are used with a flame to create a suction on the skin.
At Revitalize Massage, we utilize plastic cups and a vacuum pistol to create suction on the body surface. These cups are moved over the skin using gliding, shaking and static techniques left on for about 3-10 minutes. The suction reaches deep into the soft tissue attachments and organs, breaking blood vessels causing discoloration. This round discoloration typically goes away within a week depending on how stagnant the body is.
What are the benefits of cupping?
There are many benefits to getting regular cupping therapy sessions! As the cups create a suction on particular areas of the body, blood is circulated to those areas providing relief. Here are a few more benefits of cupping:
- Reduces pain
- Eases sore muscles
- Helps loosen fascia
- Reduces inflammation
- Removes toxins out of the body
- Helps clear out lymph
- Improved blood circulation
- Break apart soft tissue adhesions
- Quicker recovery after strenuous workouts
- Induce relaxation
- Improve sleep
While the marks may be a bit shocking to look at after the first session, it is all a part of the healing process. In the beginning, the marks might be tender but should not be painful. You might feel tired or fatigued. Heavy exercise should be avoided for 12-24 hours after a cupping session and make note to drink plenty of water to help flush the body quicker.
Final thoughts…
As you can see you don’t have to be an athlete to reap the benefits of cupping therapy. Most clients love cupping, there is no pain during the session and it may help relax them prior to a massage.
There are a few occasions where cupping must be cautiously applied or not at all – clients with certain skin conditions, bleeding disorders, certain heart disorders, if you are being treated with radiation and are pregnant. Make sure to fill out the intake form completely so your practitioner is aware of any contraindications before your session.
With a regular massage treatment plan in conjunction with cupping you too can feel the amazing benefits as Michael Phelps.