If you've seen those distinct round marks on the backs of celebrities like Dwyane "The Rock" Johnson and Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, then no doubt you've wondered what they were all about. Cupping seems to be having an Instagram moment and it may seem one of those new, weird treatments that is rising in popularity.
The reality is that cupping has been around for thousands of years. Its been utilized all over the ancient world including Greece and China with cups made of bamboo, stone jars or animal horns. Now, there are specialized glass cups such as the ones in the photo above, and even silicone ones. Cupping is a specific therapeutic technique with benefits that can be used as a stand-alone therapy or part of an acupuncture treatment..... and you don't need to be a celebrity to get it!
Cupping is a soft tissue technique that uses negative pressure to gently lift skin and the underlying muscle and connective tissue. Cups can remain stationary or they can be moved to provide a stimulating massage-type feeling. This enhances blood flow and oxygenation to areas of tight muscles and stagnation.
Cupping is primarily performed on large surface areas such as the back and along the hamstrings but smaller cups have been developed for areas such as elbows and knees.
Cupping is used in cases of muscular tension and knots and can be used to clear chest congestion after a cough or cold.
The negative pressure is created by either a suction pump attached to a special set of cups with valves or using fire cupping. Fire cupping requires formal training and is the type performed in the office.
Cupping can be used to identify areas of stagnation and therefore can lead the acupuncturist to use further treatment. Darker marks indicate areas of deeper stagnation - looking at the photo above you can see how some marks are darker than others. These marks tend to fade over the days following a cupping treatment and are an anticipated side-effect of the therapy. Cupping should not hurt as pressure can be adjusted to suit the patient. Most people report very relaxed during the treatment and enjoy the feeling of well being afterwards.
Cupping isn't suitable for everyone though- those with fragile, broken or sunburned skin for example.
Cupping is an excellent tool to reduce pain, stress and tension, boosts the immune response by improving lymphatic drainage, reduces congestion and can reduce recovery time after sports injuries.
If you're interested in cupping and how it can be incorporated into your treatment plan then mention this article and we can see if it's a suitable therapy for you. See you soon!
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