By Elizabeth John, RMT
Cupping therapy is an ancient healing method that is used to ease back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other issues. It uses suction to pull on your skin and increase blood flow to the affected area. It can ease scar tissue deep within muscles and connective tissues, and reduces swelling and muscle knots.
Types of Cupping
Two popular types of cupping are: stationary and sliding. Stationary cupping uses suction only, keeping the cups in place for a set time, usually 5 to 10 minutes. Sliding cupping is a traditional therapy that has been used for centuries to manage pain and promote relaxation. This therapy involves applying suction cups to the skin, which are subsequently moved around the body to promote blood flow and relieve muscle tension. Sliding cupping is more like a deep tissue massage where the provider moves the cups over the area of pain or concern.
Benefits
Removing Toxins: Like many complementary treatments, cupping is meant to minimize circulating toxins by drawing them into the skin; where they are more easily removed. With skin, muscle and other soft tissues being pulled into the cup due to suction, this will naturally increase blood circulation to the area being treated. The increased flow will flush out any stagnated toxins in the blood as well as attract immune cells to the treated area.
Post Cupping Therapy
Two courses of action are highly recommended after cupping therapy. First is to drink more water. This will help flush out cellular waste liberated by the cupping therapy. The second course of action is to stay warm. Your body may react like it is fighting a minor cold. You may feel more tired than normal or experience flu-like symptoms after cupping (headache or general body aches). This is a temporary reaction by your immune system to eliminate the cellular waste that cupping helps release.
Did you know that you can get cupping therapy at Innate Wellness? We offer this both as part of Registered Massage Therapy or Registered Acupuncture. Contact us to learn more.
