What is cupping?
Cupping is one of the oldest methods of healing used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is frequently used for reducing pain, but can also be used for other conditions. The process involves creating a vacuum inside of a glass or plastic “cup” and placing it on the skin, where it is left for 5-10 minutes or occasionally longer. Often multiple cups are placed on the body at the same time. The vacuum sucks some of the skin up into the cup, initiating the healing response. The vast majority of all illness and disease comes from stagnation, congestion, and blockage of the body’s fluids. Cupping breaks up that congestion and restores a free flow of fluids in your body. By improving the circulation of blood, lymph and other vital fluids, cupping also improves the elimination of wastes from the body. Cupping can produce a wide range of benefits ranging from elimination of pain, to relief from congestion and coughing associated with common colds, to cellulite reduction and other cosmetic conditions. When applied to the digestive organs, cupping causes increases in digestive fluids and and enhances motility in the digestive tract, promoting better digestion and elimination. Cupping not only improves circulation but also improves the functioning of the nervous system, allowing for a profound sense of relaxation.
Cupping is Great for Athletes!
Cupping helps relieve the aches and pains caused by training and competing and speeds up recovery. These strenuous activities create injury to the muscles, which causes micro bleeding and congestion of blood and fluids. This not only causes pain but also can lead to reduced performance. As stated above, cupping releases the stuck blood and encourages healing. In addition, the increase in blood flow to the area means that the tissues receive more nutrients and oxygen for faster recovery. Additionally, many athletes combine cupping with acupuncture or massage to maximize the treatment’s benefit.