Cupping is a safe, ancient form of alternative medicine that helps relieve pain and muscular tension via local suction using glass, ceramic, bamboo, or plastic cups. A rubber pump or flame can be used to induce suction onto the skin. Rubber pumps have a suction mechanism that eliminates the need to apply heat to the cup. However, traditional Chinese medicine uses fire to remove oxygen by creating negative pressure that allows the skin to be pulled up into the cup.
Cupping reduces muscular tension and encourages cell healing by increasing blood circulation in the targeted areas. During cupping, the cup lifts underlying soft tissue into the cup while gently sucking onto your skin. This suction causes the capillaries to rupture, which signals an injury response by your body by sending additional blood cells to the affected area and speeding up the body’s natural recovery process.
What are the benefits of Cupping
Cupping can be utilized to address scar tissue, boost immunity, constricted muscles, lack of mobility, and numerous other diseases including migraines, arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and fibromyalgia.
Cupping is very commonly used for sore and aching muscles and encourages tissues to release toxins. Focused blood flow benefits your body by clearing toxins through the lymphatic system that have accumulated. (Your lymphatic system is in charge of getting rid of waste and poisons from your body.)
Cupping can aid in digestion. Cupping helps to engage the parasympathetic nervous system, which increases blood flow to the digestive tract. Gentle cupping over the abdomen also stimulates the digestive organs. It aids in peristalsis (contractions that push food through your digestive tract), and helps clear colon blockages, and indigestion.
What to expect after treatment
You can expect mild soreness, but not as much as after a Deep Tissue Massage, due to the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscle tissue. Expect bruising, which can be present for up to a week. It is best to avoid strenuous activity until the soreness has dissipated following therapy.
Although cupping therapy has no harmful side effects, some patients may experience nausea, lightheadedness, and minor discomfort or pain where the cupping is administered. Make sure your practitioner is aware of any skin disorders you may have, such as eczema, as cupping may exacerbate those symptoms.
