Then, it was time for the cupping. We started on a simple rubber cup; she pinched the rubber, and it was attached to my body. She drew it up and down my back, still tightly stuck to my skin.
In places, particularly nearer my neck, there was some associated pain, but nothing too extreme. It was a good pain. It felt cathartic, as if it was doing something constructive below my skin. But, after the plastic cupping ended, the therapist moved on to glass cups and… flaming cotton wool. I had not expected fire. I winced and tensed.
I breathed a sigh of relief, but I still tensed each and every time I sensed the heat near my skin. Each cup was first attached to my lower back before being dragged to its resting place further up — that was a little sore, but it was nothing like as bad as the marks it left behind.
It was an odd sensation. As my skin was pulled tight under the cups, it kind of felt like being hugged by an angular, yet caring glass octopus. In two words — not really. It is widely acknowledged that most of the effects attributed to cupping are due to the placebo effect.
The researchers concluded:. Better still, a review of 75 randomized controlled trials, including 11, participants, gave more support. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found potential benefits for a range of conditions, including herpes zoster, acne , facial paralysis, and cervical spondylosis arthritis in the neck.
However, the authors note that many of the studies included significant bias and that more research is needed. So, I asked one of our resident experts what she thought about the term in this context, she said:. The vacuum produced from cupping causes a localized expansion of the tissue. Increased circulation improves oxygen supply and cell metabolism, which reduces inflammatory or toxic substances. Evidence aside, these treatments are as much about the experience, the attention from the clinician, and the rush of endorphins as they are about medical results.
Cupping aficionados claim that the color of the welts left on the skin can tell you something about the state of your body and your injuries. This comes from a paper written by the respected acupuncturist, Susan Johnson , L. Severe stagnation can cause the skin to color a deep scarlet, purple, or even black; it may take 7—10 days for the dark color to disperse. Interestingly, by looking at the color of my flesh as it was sucked into the cups, the therapist was able to correctly identify that the left side of my neck and the lower-right side of my back were the worst affected areas.
However, my back does feel better, and I feel good about the experience. It is what it is. At Resolution Health, we only practice dry cupping.
Congestion the buildup of fluid or phlegm in your lungs caused by a cold, bronchitis, or even asthma can be treated with cupping. The suction from cups breaks up and expels congestion. It brings oxygen rich blood and lymph toward your lungs and your other respiratory muscles. Cups are usually placed on your back, but may be placed on your chest as well. Your therapist may leave the cups in place, or may gently glide them in an upward motion to facilitate the movement of the lymph fluid.
Facial cupping can also be used to help unblock your sinuses. Cupping helps to engage the parasympathetic nervous system, which increases blood flow to the digestive tract. Gentle cupping over the abdomen also stimulates the insides of your digestive organs. It aids in peristalsis contractions that push food through your digestive tract , helps clear colon blockages, encourages blood and body-fluid to move through your organs, and helps relieve indigestion.
Give us a call or ask your therapist during your next massage session. Our therapists have been trained and certified in safe and effective cupping techniques. You can choose to have a cupping-only session, or add cupping on to your therapeutic massage. The benefits of cupping increase over time—consider a monthly membership for added savings and convenience while you enjoy the health benefits of regular massage, cupping, infrared sauna, and acupuncture. You can book a cupping massage session right here.
You must be logged in to post a comment. Cupping became part of the mainstream conversation during the Summer Olympics, when swimmer Michael Phelps showed up to compete with round bruises covering his back.
In ancient times, it was used for lung conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia. And although it has soared in popularity recently, cupping has been around for thousands of years and traces its roots to ancient Chinese and Egyptian medicine.
Cupping was documented in one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, Ebers Papyrus , which was written in BC. The use of cupping has evolved, and today it's widely used for pain relief and musculoskeletal injuries, such as strains, sprains , back injuries , and inflammation. It is believed that the suction created by the cup encourages blood flow—and this increased circulation may promote healing and reduce pain.
The primary side effects of cupping are bruising and skin irritation. Both should heal on their own in days. There is also a small risk of infection. After a session, the therapist may send you home with an antibiotic ointment and bandage to help reduce this risk. There has been some research that suggests cupping does have benefits when it comes to pain relief, but the studies are generally considered low quality.
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