Cupping is an ancient form of natural healing. It’s believed to have originated in China, and was practiced in ancient Egypt, Greece, the Middle East, and in Europe. In fact, the so-called “Father of Modern Medicine”, Hippocrates, claimed that there wasn’t an ailment that cupping couldn’t be used to treat or prevent.
If you’re looking for a natural alternative to health care, Cupping therapy is an option that you should totally consider.
What is cupping therapy?
As mentioned, cupping is an age-old practice that has been practiced by ancient cultures. It wasn’t until recently, however, that it became popularized in the mainstream as alternative and complementary medicine when celebrities and athletes started displaying circular purplish-red spots on their bodies, including the most decorated US swimmer, Michael Phelps, and actresses Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston. The public at-large were, of course, curious about those spots, and when it was revealed that they were the result of cupping, well, cupping blew up.
Does cupping hurt
So, what does it involve? Well, with this natural alternative treatment, a cupping therapist uses cups made of glass, earthenware, bamboo, or even silicone, and applies them to the skin. Contrary to how it may look, cupping does not hurt, it's often compared to a tugging sensation as it moves the skin upward to initiate muscle tension relief.
Applying the cups using a vacuum device separates the skin and the underlying connective tissue and muscles (known as the fascia), from the muscular system. This helps to release toxins that have accumulated in the muscles and tissues, and it increases blood circulation.
During this time tiny blood vessels are pooled to the skin's surface leaving you with red marks/ bruises but we like to call these cupping marks! The increase blood flow within that area is due to the suction of the cup, leaving you with extra tension relief.
The cups remain in place for about 15 to 30 minutes, they are then removed and you are free to go about your day. Cupping therapy is similar to a deep tissue massage as it targets muscle knots and improves your lymphatic system to promote healing.
Who doesn't love a pain free treatment!? Cupping massage is originated from traditional Chinese medicine and has evolved with time to make it more available for everyone suffering from shoulder pain, neck pain or overall chronic pain.
Several cupping benefits
Cupping is a medically reviewed process and offers a handful of benefits. Whether your healthcare provider recommends it or you're just genuinely interested in integrative health, you'll experience relief in the following ways:
- Inflammation reduction
- Reduced pain
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Strengthened immune system function
- Chronic headache and migraine relief
- Improved sleep
- Increased energy levels
Those who practice cupping therapy swear by it. In fact, at our spa, we have several clients who see us on a regular basis, and more often than not, first-time clients schedule additional appointments and continue to keep coming back again and again.
Signs You Should Schedule a Cupping Session
So, now that you have a basic idea of what cupping therapy is, how it works, and the benefits that it provides, you might be wondering if giving it a try is worth your while. If any of the following apply to you, then yes, we totally think that scheduling an appointment for your first cupping massage would totally be in your best interest.
Chronic back pain
Do you suffer from chronic back pain? Whether it’s mild, moderate, or severe, or no matter the cause or where it occurs – in a concentrated location or across your entire back – you would definitely benefit from dry cupping . In fact, back cupping is one of the most common reasons why our clients come see us!
It helps to alleviate inflammation, releases built-up toxins, boosts blood flow, and triggers the body’s natural response to irritation. All of these things combined mean that cupping can certainly help to reduce your back pain, improve your mobility, and boost your quality of life.
Chronic headaches or migraines
Headaches are no joke; migraines are even less funny. Chronic headaches and migraines can be completely debilitating. In fact, they can become so severe that sitting in a dark room is the only solace you can find, and even that may not do the trick.
Instead of taking medications that offer very little effect, if any, and can pose a laundry list of health issues, give cupping therapy a try. Ancient cultures used cupping as a way to treat headaches, and the same is true today.
In fact, A study that was conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and at the Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences used a control group and found that wet cupping was an extremely effective treatment for headaches, including those that cause severe, debilitating pain.
Congestion relief
Does it seem like you always have a runny and/or stuffy nose? Are you popping decongestants on a constant basis or always spraying shooting sprays up your nose? Do you constantly need to blow your drippy nose or find that you have to breathe out of your mouth all the time because your nose is so stuffy?
Whatever the case may be, if you suffer from chronic congestion, perhaps because of sinus problems or allergies, cupping therapy may be able to help alleviate the problem. It releases toxins and improves oxygenation by hitting certain points, which can have a direct positive impact on your nasal cavities.
You have dermatological issues
Cupping may also be a beneficial treatment for various types of skin conditions. Examples include acne, abscesses, boils, and herpes. Because these skin disorders are related to the blood, and since cupping aids in the production and circulation of lymphatic fluids, it can help to fight off bacteria and pathogens that contribute to skin-related problems.
Cupping purifies the skin and eliminates extraneous particles that can circulate through the blood, it can help to reduce and prevent skin issues, leaving you looking more youthful and radiant.
You suffer from gastrointestinal diseases
Are you suffering from gastrointestinal disease symptoms? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, ulcers, or any other condition that impacts the gastrointestinal tract, perhaps? If so, cupping therapy may be the natural cure that you are looking for. Cupping generally hits similar acupoints as acupuncture and can help aid any digestive complaints you may have and increase your overall health.
The gastrointestinal tract is comprised of the spleen, the stomach, and the intestines, and they are responsible for processing everything that you eat, drink, and ingest. Disorders of one or more of the organs of the GI tract can cause major discomfort, and can even be embarrassing.
Cupping can help to moderate the secretion of digestive fluids, which can help to improve your body’s absorption of vital nutrients, which stops these agents from being absorbed in the bloodstream. The result? – Reduced gastrointestinal problems.
Where to book your first cupping massage?
If you're ready to book a cupping appointment and need an extra boost of encouragement we're here for you!
