What Is Cupping Therapy and What Can It Do For You?
Cupping is a unique treatment that uses suction to lift tissue as a cup is moved by the therapist to decompress the underlying tissue. It combines various massage and stretching techniques with the application of a slightly pressurized cup. This helps to lift and separate the soft tissue, allowing for greater fluid movement and nutrient supply throughout the soft tissues. This nourishes, detoxifies, stimulates and increases range of motion. The cups come in various sizes depending on the treatment area needed.
Though it was recently made famous during the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics when the cupping marks (circular bruises) were visible all over swimmer Michael Phelps, cupping has actually been around for a very long time. Cupping is an ancient medical treatment; its Chinese roots date back to 300 or 400 A.D. Egyptian and Middle Eastern cultures also have ancient records of the practice. Cupping is still regularly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Chinese hospitals and elsewhere.
Cupping creates a negative (tension) pressure which:
– Passively stretches tissue resulting in increased ROM.
– Increases blood supply/heat to area treated.
– Increases fluid movement, which assists in recovery.
– Increases nutrient-rich blood supply to injured area.
People seek cupping therapy for many purposes, including pain management, to reduce inflammation, improve circulation and digestion, to promote relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. Don’t be turned off by those ‘bruises!’ They are often the sign of a successful treatment and will disappear within two days to two weeks!
Cupping can help improve several medical conditions including:
| • Poor circulation
• Sciatica • Low back pain • Chronic pain • Arthritis • Muscular Aches • Bursitis • Tendonitis • Scars and Adhesions |
• Trigger Points (knots)
• Tension Headaches • Sinusitis • Pre & Post-Operative Conditions • Athletic Stress & Injury • Plantar Fasciitis • Myofascial Pain Syndrome • Scoliosis • Fibromyalgia |
Are you interested in experiencing cupping for yourself? We recommend an initial massage with Karith so she can learn your tissues to better understand where you could benefit from cupping. Following that initial massage at regular price you can receive your first cupping session for *FREE (with the purchase of follow-up massage). If you are a current client of Karith’s, add on cupping to your next massage session for FREE. Mention this blog for discount!
