Cupping and massage cupping
Cupping therapy is a practice that involves briefly attaching rounded inverted cups to certain parts of the body using a vacuum effect. The drawing of the skin inside the cups increases blood flow to the area.
Long used in traditional Chinese medicine and other ancient healing systems, cupping has gained considerable popularity in recent years among athletes. For instance, swimmer Michael Phelps is said to have had the therapy in preparation for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Uses
I often use Cupping as a complementary therapy alongside acupuncture for the following conditions:
Back pain
Headache or migraine
Knee pain
Muscle pain and soreness
Neck and shoulder pain
Sports injuries and performance
How Does Cupping Therapy Work?
To create the suction inside the cups a flammable substance (such as herbs, alcohol, and/or paper)is put inside each cup and then ignited. Next, the cup is placed upside down on the body. During a typical cupping treatment, between three and seven cups are placed on the body.
Often a manual or electric pump is used to create the vacuum and with the use of massage oil the cups are manipulated and worked over the affected areas this creates a unique deep tissue like massage that is very effective and feels great.