WHAT IS CUPPING ?
Cupping, also known as myofascial decompression, refers to the practice of applying glass or plastic cups to specific areas on the surface of the body to create a suction effect on the skin and tissues underneath. It has been extensively employed in many traditional Asian and European healing systems throughout the centuries.
Interestingly, Traditional Chinese Medicine seems to incorporate the broadest range of applications and details specific techniques for a wide range of conditions, including respiratory, musculoskeletal, neurological, circulatory, digestive and gynaecological disorders.
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From a Chinese Medicine perspective, cupping 'opens' the channels, which are the pathways in the body through which Qi ( the dynamic life force or energy) flows. A free flow of Qi is necessary to support the function of the body's tissues and organs. By helping to improve the flow of Qi and Blood, cupping allows for improved function, range of motion and healing.
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HOW DOES IT WORK ?
Cupping can be thought of as a reverse deep tissue massage: instead of the skin, fasciae, muscles, tendons and ligaments being pushed down as during a classical massage, the negative pressure created inside the cups by either heat or a manual hand pump, produces a lifting effect on these structures, thus pulling them upwards into the cups. The suction effect creates a unique sensation, which most patients compare to a massage and find very enjoyable and easy to relax to.
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If cupping has been deemed a suitable* therapy for the patient and depending on the patient's condition, the cups can be left static for a few minutes ('stationary cupping') or can be moved over the channel pathways ('sliding cupping') , or applied and removed in quick succession ('flashing cupping') or it can be a combination of the three techniques.
* Cupping is not indicated in specific cases which we can discuss about during the consultation if necessary.
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WHAT CUPPING CAN DO FOR YOU
As demonstrated by recent clinical research, cupping generates a wide range of physiological effects , which makes it an effective bodywork therapy to:
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improve local blood and lymph circulation for better cellular metabolism and repair
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alleviate pain and tightness, and help treat different types of pain (headaches, joint pain, muscle pain and tension, pain in the neck, back and shoulders...) and arthritic conditions
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stretch and revitalise connective tissue
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and reduce scar tissue formed in the muscles and in various connective tissue areas after injury or surgery by breaking up the adhesions subsequently formed between the skin, fasciae and muscles
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modulate the immune system and help in the treatment of respiratory conditions ( onset of the common cold, coughing, bronchitis..),
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drain excess fluids and toxins for tissue detoxification
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reduce cellulite and water retention.
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Also, cupping has a soothing effect on the nervous system, and most patients report feeling very relaxed and sometimes 'sleepy', as after a deep tissue massage.
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CUPPING CAN LEAVE A FEW MARKS...
Cupping may often leave coloured (red or purple) markings on the skin, sometimes similar to a bruise in appearance but with no associated pain.
These marks are associated with increased microcirculation and detoxification processes now at work in the cupped areas and naturally dissipate within days.
Follow-up treatments focusing on the same areas will usually result in much less marking as local circulation keeps improving and stagnant blood and lymph are removed.
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ALSO...
For patients with a dislike of needles , cupping is a great alternative to acupuncture per se !
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