Cupping is a safe, traditional treatment that helps resolve chronic muscle tightness and pain faster than massage therapy alone.
From Olympic athletes to active pop-stars, people are discovering the benefits of cupping therapy. Maybe you’ve even seen people at your gym or at the swimming pool with those tell-tale red circles on their backs and shoulders.
It’s becoming more common for people to request cupping to relieve chronic muscle soreness. Instead of using pressure on different points of the body, massage cupping uses suction to tug the skin, muscles, and tissues upwards. (This can be particularly beneficial to those who are sensitive to a very deep pressure massage, as the suction may feel less intense.)
This therapy softens tightened muscles and loosens difficult knots. By lifting the connecting tissues, cupping opens blockages in the lymphatic nodes which allows the flow of lymph and releases excess fluids. This process also promotes healing by drawing inflammation from the deep tissues to the surface of the skin.
But what you may NOT know is that there are many (many!) other benefits to cupping. Here are just a few:
Cupping Increases Circulation
The suction from the cups increases circulation to the area where the cups are placed. The additional blood flow to that area can help relieve muscle tension and promote cell repair. Increasing circulation with cupping also helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Cupping Encourages Tissues to Release Toxins
The modern lifestyle overloads our bodies with toxins – and the lymphatic system is responsible for eliminating these toxins and waste. Cupping gives your body a boost by creating focused blood flow that helps flush built-up toxins through the lymphatic system.
Cupping Can Reduce the Appearance of Scars
Increased blood flow enables your body to dispose of toxins, restores lymphatic circulation, and helps remove edema (excess fluid) – all of which helps reduce the appearance of scarring.
Cupping Can Improve Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
Varicose veins look like bulging, bluish veins just under your skin, usually on legs and feet. They happen when the valves inside the vein don’t effectively push the blood from the muscle back to the heart, so the blood congests and the veins twist and bulge. Cupping helps by bringing fresh blood flow and oxygen back to these problem areas. You’ll notice your varicose veins appear lighter after your first session, though it will take a series of cupping sessions for lasting results.
Cupping Can Clear Congestion & Help Treat Asthma
The suction from cups breaks up and expels congestion in the lungs caused by a cold, bronchitis, or even asthma. It also brings oxygen-rich blood and lymph toward your lungs and your other respiratory muscles. Cups are usually placed on your back, but may be placed on your chest as well. Your therapist may leave the cups in place or gently glide them in an upward motion to facilitate the movement of the lymph fluid. Facial cupping can also be used to help unblock your sinuses.
Cupping Can Aid 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 insides of your digestive organs. It aids in peristalsis (contractions that push food through your digestive tract), helps clear colon blockages, encourages blood and body-fluid to move through your organs, and helps relieve indigestion.
Wondering if cupping therapy can help treat your specific issue? Give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss the options!
