What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping Therapy derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) where it was believed that the cups can help promote the flow of QI within our bodies and thus improve the functions of the multiple systems within. In modern day, many sports therapists use this technique to aid in an individuals recovery.

What are the cups made from?

The cups can be made from:

· Glass

· Plastic

· wood

· Animal Horns

The cups are then placed on the skin creating a vacuum which lengthens the tissue and increases circulation to that area. As freaky as its appearance, once the cup is removed the skin falls back into its original positioning.

Different types of Cupping Therapy

Cupping has a wide range of application categories but the main usages are:

- Dry/fire cupping- Using either cotton wool set on fire within a glass cup or manually valve plastic cups, a vacuum is then created to cause the skin to rise and fill the cup as explained above. These cups are then left in place for up to 20 minutes to gain the desired effect.

- Moving/ Massage cupping- The cups are moved along the surface of the skin to help improve circulation throughout the body and also locate areas of tension.

- Wet cupping – After carrying out normal dry cupping. Light, tiny incisions on the skin are made before reapplying the cups to draw out blood and increase blood flow to that area.

Benefits of cupping Therapy

- Reduces inflammation

- Provide nutrients and oxygen to the cells of the body

- Softens adhesions (knots)

- Lifts connective tissue to support function

- Open lymphatic node blockages

- Cleanse toxin build up

- Calms the nervous system

- Treat migraines and headache

- Treat fatigue and exhaustion

- Relieve muscular pain and discomfort

Whichever method of cupping you prefer, all significantly aid in the recovery process when complimented alongside sports massage.

The only downside some individuals encounter is slight bruised colouration to the skin after treatment. Kind of like you’ve had a wrestle with a large octopus! But don't worry, cupping technique is harmless and the marks will fade after a few days.

My cup marks all look different?

Did you also know the colour of the marks also have their own individual meanings and indications according to TCM?

- Pinkish red cups are a sign of healthy blood flow and circulation

- Dark purple pigmentation can be a sign of inflammation in the area. Normally those with muscular tension or pain in those areas experience these.

- Black dots are a sign of toxins which have been drawn up through the tissues. Toxins can be a mixture of lactic acid, bacteria, alcohol, environmental toxins, breakdown of cells etc which our bodies have struggled to flush through.

- Grey discoloured marks. In regards to TCM this means poor QI or low energy. Many lethargic or run down clients can experience this.

To summarise, cupping is a completely harmless and effective technique to be used for a wide variety of conditions if done correctly by a trained professional and can even be a tool to learn and use on yourself to promote recovery and wellbeing.