Cupping was developed thousands of years ago and though the techniques have modernized, the original philosophy remains the same.
If you watched the Olympics, and you saw athletes like Micheal Phelps with some obvious round cupping marks on his back, you probably wondered... What are those!?!? Well those my friend are cupping marks caused by cupping therapy. Cupping basically involves placing glass, bamboo or plastic jars on your skin and creating a vacuum by suctioning out the air. One way to think about cupping is that it is the inverse of massage. When you get a massage, pressure is applied to your muscles. When it comes to cupping, instead of applying pressure to the muscles, the suction uses pressure to pull the skin, the tissues and the muscles upward.
Now some people like to combine Cupping with Acupuncture, you can do either, or both combined.
During Cupping Therapy, the tissue under the skin is sucked partially into the cup. Basically, the point of cupping is to augment circulation and help relieve ache; by removing "heat" and pulling out toxins that remain in your body's tissues.
The following are 5 Benefits you get by having Cupping Therapy
#1 Treating Lung Disorders
Were you aware that Cupping therapy can help treat Lung disorders? By lung disorders I mean Coughs, Bronchial Congestion's, and Asthma. It helps break up the phlegm and loosen up the accumulated mucous on the walls in your lungs. Helping remove stagnation and allowing your body to release both the phlegm and mucous.
# 2 It is traditionally used for
Digestive Complaints
It is believed that your thoughts and emotions are closely related to the functioning and motion of your body systems . The negative pressure or suction caused by cupping therapy works to help stimulate the organs inside it and raise the bodily function to move food along. The outcome is the secretion of the intestines. They digest the appropriate fluids and the bile so that they can draw and absorb in the nutrients from the food and the fluids that is well needed. Some of the immediate benefits are Promoting digestion. Relieving indigestion or heartburn, Clearing colon blockages. Also Breaking down fatty deposits, encouraging blood and body-fluid movement in the bowels and internal organs and soothing the nervous system. Releasing inner emotions.
#3 Cupping Benefits & Detoxification
Toxins are known to be the main root to provoke many different health conditions. Studies have shown that Cupping helps improve the the lack of flow. Buildup of toxins inside of the body’s tissues can be caused by poor circulation. Within the area being treated, the suction of the skin stimulates the blood to rush and carry away toxins. Along with those toxins, it helps clear dead cells and other debris. It is recommended to drink lots of water after a cupping session to flush and expel impurities naturally and promote better health.
#4 Helps with Sciatica and/or Low Back Pain & Neck Pain
Usually when going a cupping treatment, it helps from muscle spasms, back pain, sciatica and arthritic and rheumatic problems. The suction and negative pressure provided by cupping tends to encourages blood flow . It also loosen muscles, and it sedates the nervous system. Cupping is also used to alleviate stiff muscles, anxiety, rheumatism, and even cellulite.
#5 Relieves Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia symptoms are known to be accompanied by fatigue and altered sleep, memory, and mood. Most common symptoms are widespread muscle pain and tenderness. The procedure is known to be generally safe, and when its performed by Licensed professionals. Cupping Therapy helps elevate circulations and it promotes healing. Studies have demonstrated that cupping may diminish Fibromyalgia symptoms more effectively than standard treatments. It is also known to help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Chronic fatigue syndrome, or also known as CFS, is when you to feel so tired that you can’t complete normal daily activities. Unfortunately there is no known cause and at times its difficult to diagnose.