Cupping Therapy
Cupping Therapy: The Modern Practice of Ancient Healing Techniques
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which the therapist uses a combination of massage strokes and negative pressure to lift, separate, and stretch underlying soft tissues. The negative pressure that is experienced during the cupping method helps to soften muscles and lift connective tissue. Cupping is typically applied on the neck, shoulders, back, sacrum, hip, abdomen, thigh, calves, and upper arms.
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Areas of musculoskeletal tension or congestion are located using massage techniques, and cups may be applied on an affected area and moved over the surface in a gliding motion, or possibly put on a fascial adhesion or trigger point for a short time to reduce or eliminate it. It aids in increasing the blood flow to the treated areas and drain excess fluids and toxins. Cupping encourages the body's natural healing processes which is why it is a method often utilized as a form of alternate physical therapy.
The Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Cupping is used in the treatment of many types of muscle tensions, including common ailments such as neck pain, shoulder pain, tight trapezius, lower back pain, spinal congestion, and plantar fasciitis.
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Cupping therapy, which is based on creating a negative pressure and drawing body tissues outwards, may help to:
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Increase local circulation
Improve lymphatic flow
Release scar tissue adhesion
Relax muscle
Release trigger points
What Does Cupping Feel Like?
Most people find the sensation very pleasant, a sort of a release. The cups can remain in position for several minutes, or the therapist can glide them over the skin similar to the movements of a massage. This negative pressure is the opposite of a deep tissue massage – a pulling versus a pushing effect.
Why to Choose Cupping
Cupping has long been used in holistic and alternative medicine practices, but it has definitely gained acceptance in the Westernized world. It has been found to work wonderfully when coupled with more modern practices of physical therapy such as acupuncture. You may find that it helps with relaxation, toxin removal, and pain relief when used regularly.
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Cups physically create a vacuum on a person’s skin or reverse pressure away from the body which pulls up on tight, deep muscle tissue. This process then releases any stagnant blood and lymph to flow freely. Once you increase your body’s circulation, you also help move oxygen and nutrient to all those tight muscles to feed them and promote healing and detoxification.