Cupping therapy has been used historically by many cultures throughout history. In the last few years however, cupping therapy has grown in popularity. This is due to many celebrities and athletes using it as part of their recovery. The round marks on their backs is a tale tale sign that they are receiving cupping therapy.
Cupping therapy has more benefits than just recovery, in today’s article we’ll go over who benefits from cupping therapy and what cupping therapy can help them with.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy uses a pump or flame to create a negative pressure or vacuum within a cup, the cup is then placed on the skin. Because of the negative pressure in the cup, the skin, muscle, fascia is pulled up into the cup. This may cause an increased blood flow into the area being threatened. Freshly oxygenated and nutrient rich blood courses through the area being treated which may reduce inflammation, help manage pain and aid in recovery.
When the soft tissue is pulled up into the cup, it also helps to remove toxins and stagnant blood from muscle as well as knots. Allowing them to be recirculated and removed by the body. This can result in round marks that resemble a bruise, this isn’t a bruise however, it is closer to a “giant hickey”. These cupping marks are not without significance, the color and intensity of the mark can help to determine the condition of the area being treated. With lighter marks meaning there is balance in the muscle and darker marks meaning more therapy may be needed.
Who Can Benefit From Cupping Therapy?
Nearly everyone can find a benefit from cupping therapy. It can be used as a relaxing cupping massage that can help with mental health and relaxation. An additional benefit can be a reduction of blood pressure or hypertension. Cupping therapy can help aid in managing pain caused by many forms of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis. Asthma and other upper respiratory issues can also be helped through the use of cupping as it may help with reducing inflammation in the bronchi.
Office workers are oftentimes stricken with carpal tunnel syndrome after many hours at their computer. Typically this can be caused by bad posture or poor working habits, though cupping therapy can be used to ease tension from carpal tunnel syndrome. Cupping therapy can help release tension and promote muscle relaxation in the wrists. Another common affliction for workers who spend hours in front of their computers are headaches and migraines, which cupping can be used to help relieve the tension caused by stress and poor posture.
By drawing stagnant blood away from the area being treated and bringing new fresh blood to that same area, people have reported that cupping has helped them manage their symptoms and bring them relief from pain.
Who Should Avoid Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is generally considered a safe and practical modality for most people as long as you are visiting a trained health professional. Though there are a few individuals who should consider a different form of therapy to help with managing their symptoms and pain.
Conditions such as hemophilia and anemia which are blood related disorders can result in bleeding and loss of energy. As Cupping therapy can increase the blood flow, it can worsen the symptoms of these conditions.
In a similar vein, people suffering from kidney failure, liver disease and heart disease should also avoid cupping therapy. As it can compromise any current treatment you are undergoing. For this reason it’s best practice to let the therapist know of any pre-existing conditions you may have or if you are taking any medication such as blood thinners.
Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine
Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can contact us and ask about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health.
Located in Long Beach, CA, we help individuals from the surrounding cities.
We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.