Cupping is a traditional alternative treatment that has historical roots traced back to Chinese and Middle Eastern therapies. In fact, this therapeutic treatment is thousands of years old! Cupping therapy is the process of placing cups to create a vacuum in a glass cup placed on the skin. This will create suction which pulls the skin and underlying tissue up into the cup. Now, this complementary and integrative health treatment is available from a modern medicine perspective, which may help in treating pain, increased blood flow, and pain relief.
Why Use Cupping Therapy?
There are many reasons why people may choose to use cupping therapy. Some of the benefits of cupping our clients have reported include:
1) Helps to relieve pain: Cupping therapy is known to be an effective way to relieve pain. The suction created by the cups helps to improve blood flow and circulation, which can help to reduce inflammation and discomfort, including lower back pain, neck pain,
2) Helps to improve flexibility: Cupping therapy can help to improve flexibility and range of motion by loosening up tight muscles and connective tissue. Muscle tension may be reduced allowing you to experience a larger range of motion
3) Stress Reduction: The soothing, relaxing nature of cupping therapy can be beneficial for reducing stress levels.
4) May help to detoxify the body: Cupping therapy helps to promote blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can help to flush toxins from the body.
5) May help to support the immune system: The improved blood circulation and lymphatic drainage can help to keep the immune system healthy and strong, which is important for fighting off infections, illness, and diseases.
These are examples of how our clients attest to how cupping helps them.
Intrigued?
If you’re interested in learning more about cupping therapy, keep reading to learn more about potential health benefits and how this complementary medicine may be helpful!
What does cupping therapy do?
Cupping therapy is a form of traditional alternative medicine that works by creating a vacuum in cups placed on the skin. This suction pulls up the underlying tissue, which may help to improve blood circulation and promote healing.
Nowadays, cupping therapy can be used as both an adjunct or alternative treatment for a wide range of conditions.
At RuppMassage, we utilize “dry cupping”, which is a form of cupping that is known to be effective for relieving pain and muscle tension.
How does cupping work?
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin. It works by creating a vacuum in cups placed on the skin. This suction pulls up the underlying tissue, which may help to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle aches.
Nowadays, cupping therapy can be used as both an adjunct or alternative treatment for a wide range of conditions.
Is cupping really effective?
There is scientific evidence that helps to support the use of cupping therapy. Here are a just a few examples of medically reviewed articles from academic research institutions:
- Support for lower back pain
- Reducing muscle fatigue
- Reducing muscle pain and improving range of motion
Why does cupping leave bruises?
Typically, cupping therapy leaves temporary bruises called “cupping marks.” It’s common for the cups to leave these circular impressions on the skin. Why do cups leave purple circles? The dark bruising is caused by broken capillaries just under the surface of the skin. You may have seen cupping marks on swimmers during televised sporting events. The round bruises were a frequent topic in the news and piqued the interest of many who were watching.
Is cupping painful?
While some people report cupping therapy to be very relaxing, it may also be described as slightly painful. However, most people compare the pain of cupping therapy to a “reverse-massage.”
The most common explanation for the pain of cupping therapy is that the suction pulls up tiny blood vessels and lymph nodes close to the surface of the skin, which can cause pain and discomfort.
There may be slight discomfort associated with the “bruises”, much like any bruise you may have experienced. These visible marks may take up to two weeks to fade, so we’d advise not receiving a cupping treatment right before a red-carpet event that you will be attending.
How long does it take to see results from cupping?
To determine how many treatments may be beneficial to you, we recommend talking with our Certified Therapeutic Massage Therapist, Tracy Rupp. Each treatment should be customized to your unique needs.
It is generally recommended to undergo around 10 sessions for optimum results. However, some people may start to see results after the first few sessions.
How do I make an appointment for a cupping session?
Contact us now to schedule an appointment! We offer cupping therapy and much more, including therapeutic massage, deep tissue massage, essential oil therapy, oxygen bar, infrared sauna, hot stone and injury recovery, so contact us today for a private session with our Certified Therapeutic Massage Therapist. Contact us now at 317-223-1639 or schedule your appointment by filling out the form on this page: https://ruppmassage.com/appointments
Prior to your appointment, we will tell you what you can expect from undergoing cupping therapy, including any side effects that may typically occur, and which cupping techniques may be utilized during your cupping session.
We hope your journey to well being and pain relief leads you to a life with improved health and wellness.
*Always consult a doctor before starting any new treatment regimen. This article is not a substitute for medical advice and is not intended to provide medical advice.
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