Cupping Therapy
What Is It?
Cupping is a therapeutic technique used by Chinese practitioners for over 5000 years. The treatment is performed by a practitioner creating suction within a glass cup, then placing the cup onto the desired area of treatment.
Why Do People Receive It?
Cupping is safe, effective, and can be used to treat a variety of pathologies including:
Does Cupping Hurt?
No, in fact, cupping therapy should feel really good. When receiving the therapy, your practitioner will stay in the room the entire time. If a cup starts to feel tight or painful, it will be immediately removed. The tissues may be slightly sore for a day or two after treatment, but, generally, relief of symptoms is the result thereafter.
What Else Is It Good For?
Why Does Cupping Leave Marks?
When muscle tissues become contracted, they get less blood and oxygen. In turn, the muscle tissue becomes more contracted, leading to pain, stiffness, or even reduced range of motion. The tissue then gets even less fresh blood flow. This cycle can keep muscles contracted and sore indefinitely. The suction action of the cups pulls the old, stagnant blood to the surface of the body, creating what looks like a bruise, but doesn't feel tender. This invites the muscles to "inhale", or absorb fresh blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the tissues, and allowing them to release, relax, and reset. This is how the cups reduce and/or eliminate tension and pain.
For more information, check out these links!
EOnline Video- 5 Celebrity Cupping Fans
NYDailyNews- What is Cupping?
WebMD-Guide to Cupping Therapy
