Cupping is a treatment that uses small cups placed upon areas of muscular tension or stagnation. With the use of a small pump for gentle suction, a vacuum is formed between the cups and skin and is left in place for about 10 minutes. Cupping is widely used for pain relief and musculoskeletal injuries, such as strains, sprains, back injuries, and inflammation.
Cupping promotes increased blood flow and helps “lift” the tissues. The suction and negative pressure of the cups softens tense muscles and scar tissue, draws inflammation out, and loosens adhesions. The lift that occurs with your connective tissue brings hydration and blood flow to body tissues and drains excess fluids and toxins by opening lymphatic pathways.
You may be asking, does cupping hurt? No not typically. Post-treatment, the areas treated will look like bruises. No fear, though, they will go away after about 5 days. What looks like bruises are really indicators of how much metabolic debris and toxins have been cleared from the muscles. The darker the hue the more metabolic debris or waste was present in the area.
After treatment, it is suggested to relax a bit for the remainder of the day. Wait until the following day to exercise or exert yourself. Many people report a pleasurable release of stressed muscles and general improvement of the areas treated.
Although it has soared in popularity recently, cupping has been around for thousands of years and traces its roots to ancient Chinese medicine. Today, Fit Club is happy to offer yet another tool for anyone seeking to accelerate their rehab or sport training goals. Are you interested in cupping? Give us a call or email us today to talk with one of our specialists.