Technically known as Myofascial vacuum cupping, the technique originated from the ancient Chinese medicine being commonly used in Asia. For westerns the practice became even more popular recently when the best swimmer in the world Michael Phelps and a few other famous swimmers appeared in public with multiple round circle marks on their bodies on the last olympics of Rio 2016. The marks seemed like bruises and like a lot of people you probably wondered what they were, so keep reading to understand what cupping exactly is and how I have been helping lots of clients to achieve their goals with this amazing technique.
What is it?
With the use of plastic cups and an air pump, myofascial cupping produces suction to decompress underlying tissue. The therapist applies the cup to the surface of the skin to create negative pressure similar to a vacuum, drawing underlying tissue into the cup. After that, the therapist massages the cup along the skin to create a therapeutic effect/response.
How does it work?
At the moment, studies continue to investigate exactly how and why myofascial cupping works. This research strives to provide a clearer answer as to how and why this technique provides a therapeutic effect to patients.Vacuum therapies may stimulate and reset connective tissue and fascial layers. Some believe that suction breaks up excessive scar tissue, adhesions and collagen fibers that are in the superficial fasciae. Others believe that myofascial cupping affects the receptors in the tissue that relaxes and resets the tissue.
Benefits
– Stimulates the relaxation response (parasympathetic response).
– Increases Range of Motion (RoM) in areas that are adhered and restricted from postural dysfunction, repetitive overuse injuries, and chronic sport injuries.
– Helps maintain RoM for athletes and helps to decrease inflammation and speed up the repair of tissue.
– Increases local circulation in the superficial skin layers and the underlying fascia and tissue.
– Relaxes and warms the superficial skin and fasciae to facilitate reaching the deeper layers of muscles.
When you come for an appointment talk to me about your specific situation and we will see if cupping is the right thing for you.