Cupping Therapy
Cupping is a therapy used in traditional Chinese medicine. Therapeutic cupping treatment involves warming and placing cups, usually made of glass, on the skin. By warming the air within the cup, a vacuum is created, and when it is applied to the skin, the tissue is drawn up into the cup. This increases the blood flow, loosens the fascia or connective tissue, and is thought to stimulate healing. It is similar to the way deep tissue massage can be used to break up scar tissue and reduce pain.
The cups are often placed on the back, neck, and shoulders or the site of pain. Cupping may cause temporary bruising and soreness, depending upon the degree of suction created by the vacuum and the level of internal stagnation. The cups are removed by lifting one edge, which allows air in and breaks the seal and vacuum.
Cupping side effects are bruises, the raised area of a bump or bruise results from blood leaking from these blood vessels into the tissue.
The benefits of cupping include local pain relief and muscle relaxation. Cupping improves overall health by removing the energy blockages. For athletes, cupping may help increase blood flow to a particular muscle region or help reduce pain.
