massage

Cupping – Was Michael Phelps the first?

How did it begin?

The practice of cupping as a form of therapy began in China around 1000 B.C.. There is also evidence of possible variations beginning as many as 2000 years before that! So, no, Michael Phelps was not the first. While this practice has remained somewhat unknown to the West, cupping has come into the spotlight. This was especially prevalent at the Olympic summer games in Rio where elite athletes were seen with circular, dark-colored bruises on their skin.

What is it?

Cupping uses a suction cup and a pump or a heated glass that creates a vacuum as it cools. This then sucks the skin away from the body and into the cup. Perhaps some of you have looked up cupping images after wondering what all the fuss was about in the Olympics and saw really swollen or even bloody areas of skin that had been “cupped.” This form of cupping, called “wet” cupping, is bloody as the skin is pierced before treatment allowing the blood to be sucked to the surface and then removed. Ancient practitioners believed that this would remove the “bad energy” or disease in the blood. The “wet” cupping method is not as common in the West.

Benefits

Cupping is claimed by its practitioners to successfully treat a wide variety of ailments. This includes muscle and joint pain, skin and respiratory problems (such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and even the common cold). It is also belied to remove harmful toxins from the body. This technique is somewhat similar to massage in that pressure is applied. However, unlike massage which is positive pressure (masseuses use their hands or instruments to push into skin, fascia, and muscle), cupping practitioners apply negative pressure. This means it sucks up the tissues. This is believed to allow an increased flow of blood and other natural fluids, speeding up recovery time, and decreasing muscle soreness. While there is little scientific research or evidence proving that cupping truly does all of these things, there is historical backing. This technique has been used for centuries which shows that it is likely there are physiological benefits.

Is it right for me?

Many people are very skeptical of this method. They say it is a placebo and does not actually treat patients in the ways they believe it to. Athletes are always looking for an edge, so why not try this new method? Well, that could be the case, but even if this technique is more psychological, those who receive this form of treatment really enjoy it and believe they compete and perform better with the aid of this natural treatment. Whichever side of the fence you stand on, taking time to find an educated opinion is important. And, if you’re curious—try it out for yourself! Ask your doctor more about this technique and if it could be beneficial for YOU.

 

Still hungry for more? Follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Better yet, come into one of our clinics to learn even more!