In recent years, cupping therapy has been making waves as a go-to treatment for muscle pain and recovery. It’s popularity skyrocketed during the 2016 Olympics, when swimmer Michael Phelps was spotted with distinctive circular marks on his back and arms. The Olympic swimmer went on to win five gold medals, each one earned with the unmistakable marks of cupping therapy visible for all to see. Since then, athletes and celebrities alike have been proudly showing off their post-cupping bruises and raving about the benefits, helping turn this ancient practice into a modern wellness trend. Although often dismissed as just a wellness trend, cupping therapy is supported by both historical use and emerging evidence.
So what is cupping therapy?
Cupping has been practiced for centuries across various cultures, including ancient Egypt, and is most notably associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). While TCM-based approaches are still widely used today, cupping has also evolved into a complementary therapy to support musculoskeletal health, stress relief, and overall well-being. During a session, specialized cups are placed on the skin in areas of tension, and either heat or a pump is used to create a vacuum effect. This gentle suction draws the skin and underlying tissue upward, increasing blood flow to the area. While the circular marks left behind may look intense, the treatment itself is generally relaxing and well-tolerated.
How does cupping work?
Cupping therapy uses suction in order to activate several physiological responses in the body. When a cup is placed over an area of tension, it helps stimulate the circulation of both blood and lymph, the body’s natural filtering fluid. This increased flow supports tissue detoxification and enhances the body’s ability to clear out accumulated waste products from the area. Additionally, some studies suggest that cupping therapy may reduce levels of inflammatory substances in the body, contributing to its anti-inflammatory effects. It’s also believed that cupping selectively stimulates large nerve fibres in the treated area, which can help block the transmission of pain signals to the brain and result in a natural pain-relieving response.
How can cupping benefit me?
If you experience one or more of the following, cupping may be a beneficial addition to your treatment plan:
- Chronic pain syndromes such as sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and low back pain
- Decreased range of motion in joints
- Rheumatological conditions such as fibromyalgia
- Headaches and migraines
Think you could benefit from cupping therapy? Book your appointment today and start your journey to feeling better!
Not sure if cupping is right for you? We’ve got you covered! Schedule a free consultation and find out how cupping therapy could support your health and wellness goals.
Resources
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35848010/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538253/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30963043/
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2023.1266712/full
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31982686/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8802202/