Cupping

Cupping has recently grown in popularity, especially with the rise of athletes displaying marks from cupping therapy. So what exactly is cupping and how does it help towards better health?

What is cupping?

Cupping is an ancient healing method that involves the use a small amount of fire being placed inside the cup which draws out the oxygen.  When the cup is then placed on the skin, it creates a vacuum which pulls the skin, muscles and connective tissue into the cup.  This encouraging the natural healing process by causing the muscles to relax, drawing out toxins, widening the blood vessels drawing Qi and blood to the area and improving circulation.

What can it treat?

Cupping is used to treat a variey of conditions, but predominantly it is used to treat pain from muscle tension.  Common areas of pain treated include the shoulders, upper back, lower back and thighs.

Cupping is also used to help treat headaches, digestive issues or asthma, to aid recovery from coughs and colds and to strengthen the immune system.

What do the round marks indicate?

When the cups are removed round marks may be left on the skin, similar looking to a bruise. The discolouration is part of the therapeutic effect of treatment and is due to broken blood vessels just beneath the skin.

The darker the colour, the stronger the natural healing process will be.

The marks are generally not painful and will naturally fade over the course of a week.