Those of you may be familiar with the 2016 Rio Olympics and the weird circular bruises on some of the Olympians. Those circular bruises are better known as Cupping Therapy.
Cupping is a type of technique where a vacuum is created in a cup, drawing the skin and subcutaneous superficial fascia up into the cup. This type of therapy has believed to date back as early as 3000 B.C.E., most associate cupping with Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cupping was also utilized in ancient Greece, ancient Egypt and used by the Anglo-Saxons.
Cupping is used to reduce Pain, promote relaxation, boost skin health,
treat Respiratory issues, and release the fascia.
One of the most common reasons people turn to alternative treatment methods is because they’re looking for a safe way to naturally reduce joint and muscle pain.
Cupping can help relax tense muscles and ease stiffness associated with chronic back and neck pains, migraines, rheumatism, and fatigue. Some athletes have been known to use cupping therapy to naturally improve performance and reduce stiffness, muscle cramps, joint pains and scar tissue caused by injuries.
Cupping targets soft tissue by applying local pressure to pain points and areas of swelling. As blood flow increases within vessels and capillaries, tissues receive much-needed nutrients and oxygen. Cupping practitioners use pressure and suctioning to the site of injury, allowing for circulation and/or blood flow to pass through to the injury or associated area of dysfunction.
I suggest cupping in conjunction with massage to my patients, by doing both it creates a symbiosis of healing. Give it a try see if cupping works for you…
Bonnie Haldeman, LMT/Owner
Executive Spa and Massage
Special thanks to Dr. Josh Axe & Richard Lebert
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