If you watched the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, you probably noticed the round purplish-red discs marking the backs, shoulders and arms of the US Swim Team. The athletes had undergone cupping therapy, an ancient technique that promotes circulation and helps reduce muscle pain and fatigue. Since then, cupping has grown in popularity as an alternative therapy for exercise recovery and pain management.
Cupping is one of the oldest forms of manual therapy, long used in traditional Chinese medicine to stimulate the flow of energy, known as “chi,” and to help correct imbalances related to illness or injury.
Treatment involves placing inverted rounded cups over certain areas of the body and using either heat or a pump to create a vacuum effect. The vacuum draws the skin and superficial tissues into the cup, increasing circulation to the cupping site. The cup remains in place for up to 15 minutes, drawing blood to the area and leaving a round red mark about the size of a baseball. The procedure is not painful, and some even find the sensation of cupping to be pleasant.
Although the exact science of cupping is not fully understood, proponents of the treatment point to the enhanced movement of fluids that takes place during the procedure. The benefits are believed to be both medicinal and emotional, helping trapped emotional energy to be released from where it lies latent in deep tissue.
Cupping therapy is used to treat many conditions, including:
- Post-exercise recovery
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Knee pain
- Muscle soreness
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Sports injuries
- Enhanced athletic performance
Cupping is often used in conjunction with massage and other manual therapies.
Unlike deep tissue massage that applies pressure to muscle tissue, cupping creates negative pressure on the skin, muscles, and fascia. As blood is drawn away from the tissues, new blood is able to flow into the area. A cupping session can be a soothing and relaxing experience.
Benefits of cupping include:
- Release of physical and emotional tension
- Removal of toxins and dead cells from tissues
- Enhanced circulation
- Increased tissue elasticity
- Reduced inflammation
Despite its benefits, cupping therapy is not for everyone.
People who should not do cupping include:
- Anyone with broken or irritated skin
- Pregnant women
- Children
- Older Adults
- People with serious health conditions
- People using blood thinning medication
Cupping leaves marks on the skin, which fade and disappear after several days. When improperly executed, cupping can leave blisters, scars or burns, so be sure to look for an experienced professional therapist.
If you would like to experience the relaxing benefits of cupping, contact Physical Therapy Clinic in Midtown Manhattan. Our expert therapists will fully explain the procedure, to ensure you enjoy the very best results. When you visit, be sure to ask about our other innovative therapies to help you perform at your absolute best.
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