Ancient Wisdom, Modern Relief: Rediscovering Cupping Therapy
Ever wondered about the ancient practice that's making a modern comeback?
What is Cupping Therapy? Where did it originate? What are its benefits, the science behind it, and why do we and our patients love it at ReActive Sports Medicine?
What is Cupping Therapy
Myofascial Decompression more popularly known as Cupping Therapy is an ancient technique that is used to ease pain. It stimulates your muscles and uses suction to pull your skin and promote blood circulation. It breaks adhesions in the fascia to relieve muscle tension.
The Origin
Dating back thousands of years, Cupping Therapy has roots in diverse civilizations, from ancient Egypt and China to traditional Middle Eastern medicine.
People have practiced this method for thousands of years. In fact, the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, describes how ancient Egyptians used Cupping Therapy back in 1550 B.C.
Who Can Use It?
We highly recommend Cupping Therapy at ReActive Sports Medicine for individuals with:
Inflammation
Muscular fatigue
Diffuse muscular pain
Muscular tightness or tension
What Conditions Can Cupping Therapy Treat?
It can ease the symptoms of:
Back pain, neck pain, knee pain and shoulder pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Headaches and migraines
Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis
Limited flexibility and muscular tension
And according to the British Cupping Society, it also treats:
Allergies
Varicose veins
Anxiety and depression
Fertility disorders
Skin problems such as eczema and acne
Blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia
How It Works
Cupping Therapy stimulates blood flow, releases toxins, and promotes natural healing.
Cupping creates suction, which pulls fluid into the targeted region.
Then, this suction force expands and ruptures small blood vessels (capillaries) beneath the skin's surface.
Lastly, your body refills the cupped areas with improved blood circulation, promoting natural and effective healing at the cellular level.
It is important to remember that the suction pressure from cupping causes small blood vessels known as capillaries under your skin to rupture. This results in circular red marks, resembling bruises, which typically fade within a week or two. It's important to note that these marks, although similar in appearance to bruises, do not harm muscle fibers like actual bruises do.
Is It Safe and Comfortable?
Cupping Therapy, when administered by a trained healthcare professional, is a safe and effective procedure. At ReActive Sports Medicine, we have chosen to incorporate this therapy into our treatments due to its proven safety and efficacy.
It is not meant to be painful. But you might feel some skin tightness while the procedure is being performed. After the therapy, you may notice slight bruising and soreness, but there shouldn't be any intense discomfort.
The Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Our patients at ReActive Sports Medicine love Cupping Therapy because it aids in reducing stress, boosts our immune system, and creates a sense of relaxation and better well-being.
It can:
Reduce inflammation
Reduce muscle tension
Increase red blood cells
Help relieve chronic pain
Enhance blood circulation
Increase your pain threshold
Remove toxins from your body
Stimulate your peripheral nervous system
Encourage whole-body comfort and relaxation
Reduce cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein
Help prevent cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis
At ReActive Sports Medicine, our dedication to holistic healing drives us to explore innovative and effective therapies. Cupping Therapy is among the modern techniques we use to provide effective treatments to our patients.
If you've been suffering from persistent shoulder and back pain, we encourage you to consider Cupping Therapy at ReActive Sports Medicine.
Click the link below to schedule your Cupping Therapy session today.
– Joshua Blatt, PT, DPT, ATC
