Cupping therapy is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been practiced for more than 2,000 years. Professional athletes, including Michael Phelps and the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team, have used cupping as part of their maintenance and recovery programs.
Cupping creates a vacuum in the muscle that forces fresh blood into them, flooding them with oxygen and nutrients. At the same time, the harmful toxins and waste products that linger in tight or injured areas are broken up so they can be expelled. Cupping also helps separate the layers of muscle and tissue with firm but gentle suction, allowing more healthy blood to flow. That means less inflammation, pain, and quicker healing.
Here are three great reasons to ask Dr. Eric about adding cupping to your wellness routine.
Relief From Tight Muscles
Overused muscles from exercise or chronic tension such as sitting at your computer all day tend to cause your muscles to become fibrotic and leathery over time. Cupping draws fresh blood out of the capillaries and into your muscles. The more leathery the tissue, the worse the purple marks from the cups and the longer it takes to recover from the treatment. But your body’s response is to form more capillaries in the area. Muscles become less leathery and tense, and self-stretching or yoga becomes more productive.
Recovery From Injuries and Training
Cupping increases circulation to your muscles and flushes out waste products from trauma, including the intentional trauma caused by training. It also benefits injuries by reducing swelling, releasing trigger points, and gently lifting and stretching the fascia and soft tissues. That means faster recovery from injuries or a better response to training.
Improved Athletic Performance
A tight fibrotic muscle can’t contract very well. Healthy muscle tension and pliability leads to more muscle force production. It also allows your body to naturally adopt healthier biomechanics and form, which improves the chances of avoiding strain/sprains or other injuries.
Ready to try cupping?
At Geneva Acupuncture & Bodyworks, cupping is just one of many modalities that may be recommended as part of your individualized treatment program. Book your consultation with Dr. Eric today and begin your journey to better health and wellness!