What is Cupping Therapy? And Why you should consider trying it at your next massage.

We've all seen the cupping marks on our favorite athletes. Giant circular bruises that draw the question, what is cupping therapy and why are so many people using it? Follow along as we tell you exactly what cupping is, how it works, and why you should consider trying it at your next massage!

 What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping Therapy is an ancient therapeutic technique in which suction cups are used to decompress the skin and underlying tissue in order to reduce musculoskeletal pain and tension while increasing circulation. Cupping has it's roots in ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern medicine but has more recently seen a resurgence in western cultures.  Cupping was brought to attention most notably by Micheal Phelps in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where giant circular bruises could be seen on his skin.

Cupping is often paired with other modalities such as massage or acupuncture but many times is done on it's own. Suction in the cups can be obtained via vacuum and sometimes even an open flame! 

how Does CUpping Work?

Cupping uses decompression to influence change in the underlying tissue and neurological system. This is unique because most massage therapies obtain their results through compression, such as deep tissue and swedish massage. Cupping increases space between skin, fascia, and muscle tissue helping to lubricate these layers allowing for improved tissue glide and fluid dynamics. Cupping may also influence neurological receptors that play a role in muscle and fascial tension. 

What are cupping Bruises?

Cupping Therapy often leaves dark circles on the skin. These notable marks have helped bring awareness to the technique of therapeutic cupping but may also play a role in scaring away potential suitors due to concerns of pain or aesthetics. So what exactly are these marks and do they hurt? 

Although cupping marks look like bruises they are not. Unlike bruises which form due to compressive trauma to underlying tissue, cupping markings are a result of suction pulling blood into the peripheral capillaries sometimes breaking them. Often times cupping marks can be darker and more pronounced in color when there has been more stagnation in the area, sometimes indicating injury. The markings can be accompanied by discomfort that resolves quickly but most people don't feel the markings at all! They can last anywhere from a few hours to a full week depending on the severity of the coloring. Needless to say cupping therapy is something you might want to avoid before a photoshoot or a wedding!

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try cupping in your next massage

So you've made it this far, you know what cupping is and how it works. But how does it fit into your wellness routine? Many people receive cupping 1-4x monthly for general maintenance of tissue. The frequency you can receive cupping typically depends on the health of the tissue being cupped and how well your circulatory system can clear markings. One rule we follow at Milestones Movement Therapy is to wait until your markings clear completely before receiving a second treatment. If you are rehabilitating an injury, cupping can be an amazing way to stimulate healing and decrease pain. We recommend consulting with your practitioner to determine when the best time is to add cupping into your rehabilitation post injury. 

For Cupping Therapy in Davis, california & the Greater Sacramento Area, Check out Milestones Movement Therapy!

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