When did cupping become popular?
For many years,
The concept of Chinese cupping therapy seemed to only be used by those who practiced Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). However, Chinese cupping therapy was brought to an international stage in 2016 when many Olympians, including world record holder Michael Phelps, showed up proudly displaying their suction cup marks. This was a great way to demonstrate that Chinese cupping therapy can help not just those who hope to promote some mild healing, but it also benefits those athletes who are performing at the most elite levels. There are plenty of benefits of cupping therapy.
What is
Chinese Cupping Therapy ?
Cupping therapy can be described as a therapy technique that places cups over one’s skin so that they can generate some negative pressure by using gentle suction. It is a practice that dates back almost 2000 years and has been used throughout the world. There are a variety of techniques used. Dry cupping, which is known in TCM as fire cupping, involves using suction only to help patients feel relief. Wet cupping can sometimes involve both the dry suction method along with controlled bleeding.
How Does Chinese Cupping Therapy Work?
There are a number of theories as to how Chinese cupping therapy works. It is believed that the pressure from suction helps to increase blood volume and flow. This then leads the capillaries to increase their filtration rate. The result is the removal and expulsion of trapped fluid in the area. Cupping helps to improve blood flow, rid the body of toxins, increase oxygen supply, and restore balance.
No Longer Just TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine has been perfecting Chinese cupping therapy for ages, but over the last decade, it has become far more mainstream, thanks to the range of benefits of cupping therapy. In addition to the most elite athletes in the worlds using it to relieve pain and improve performance, many other celebrities are also huge fans of it. Celebs like Victoria Beckham, Calum Best, Kayley Cuoco, Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Aniston, and Gwyneth Paltrow have all used Chinese cupping therapy and have spoken about their positive experiences. It is an extremely low risk option compared to other methods that are often used to manage pain.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy has a variety of uses.
Whether you are an already healthy patients or a chronic pain sufferer, cupping therapy offers a low-risk way to help manage your pain. Many ailments and illness have been shown to benefit from cupping therapy.
Knee pain:
A 2013 study of patients with osteoarthritis in their knees showed that cupping has an anti-inflammatory effect and can provide pain relief.
Neck and shoulder pain:
When combined with acupressure, cupping has been shown to improve symptoms in those suffering from both neck and back pain.
Other Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Sports injuries and performance: Look no further than the Michael Phelps example. Athletes that are competing at the highest levels on the world stage have found symptom relief thanks to this ancient practice.
Bronchial congestion due to the cold or asthma: Chinese cupping therapy has been used in the treatment of asthma and other bronchial conditions for ages. According to TCM theories, it works to expel wind and clear cold.
How to Prepare for a Cupping Therapy Treatment
If you are ready to try out Chinese cupping therapy to see if it can offer you some relief, then you will need to understand just how to prepare for your appointment.
Eat something: Â You will want to make sure to eat something at least one hour prior to your visit.
Stay hydrated: To help the cups do their job, make sure to drink plenty of water to assist and support the lymphatic system.
Ditch the razors: You will want to avoid shaving for at least four hours prior to your visit.
Avoid exfoliants: Since exfoliation removes the top layer of dead skin, you will want to give that skin at least a few days to recover from exfoliation prior to a cupping appointment.
Show up with healthy skin: If you happen to be suffering from a sunburn, you will want to reschedule your visit. Burned skin is not a good candidate for cupping therapy.
What to Expect at a Cupping Treatment
Most cupping is performed by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. You can expect the suction cups to have a tight feeling as your skin is pulled into the cup. This feeling will quickly fade as your practitioner places the next cup. Once all cups are placed, your practitioner may choose to repeat the process based on your needs. A good practitioner will want to make sure that you are remaining comfortable throughout the process. Â
How long do cupping marks last ?
After your session, you will be left with red marks that are the result of blood being pulled into that area. These are not the same as bruises. The round marks that are left over after a cupping therapy session may last anywhere from just a few days all the way up to two weeks. After many weeks of repeated cupping treatments, the marks should begin to decrease as the stagnation resolves. This is an indicator of a successful cupping treatment protocol.
Is Cupping therapy right for you?
Given just how long Chinese cupping therapy has been used, how many elite athletes and celebrities swear by it, as well as how it is associated with such a low amount of risk, it is worth trying to see if it will offer some relief.
For more information about how Cupping can help you, book your free consultation with our Chinese Medicine experts today
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.
