How can cupping help with recovery?

By: Hannah Zabolotniuk | RMT

What is Cupping?

Cupping is a form of Chinese medicine that is used to alleviate pain, remove toxins from the muscles and tissue, move congested and stagnant blood, loosen muscles, and encourage new blood flow to the area. Cupping is used to produce suction and negative pressure that lifts the skin; this creates space between muscles, skin and fascia.

The Benefits of Cupping

Cupping is used to release tissues deep inside the body, relax tense muscles, and ease stiffness associated with chronic back and neck pain. It can help athletes improve performance and reduce stiffness, along with muscle cramps, joint pain, and scar tissue often caused by sports injuries. Cupping promotes blood circulation to help speed up muscle recovery and reduce inflammation. It can also be used at first signs of a cold or flu.

Types of Cupping

Fixed cupping and moving cupping are the most common types of cupping and these techniques are used in our clinic. Fixed cupping is when the cups are suctioned and left stationary for 5 to 20 minutes; they’re typically applied with a special mechanism that sucks the air out of the cups. Moving or sliding cupping generally has less suction but are applied with oils to glide over muscle groups.This creates a stretch in the connective tissue and fascia, increases blood flow, and lymphatic drainage.

Cupping Frequency

Cupping is suggested 1–2 times per week when working on muscular tension/pain syndromes. For a sudden cold or flu, get a cupping treatment immediately to release toxicity in the muscle layer and relieve symptoms. For relaxation and other purposes, therapeutic cupping treatments can be performed as often as you’d like to ensure you feel your best!

Potential Side Effects

Cupping often leaves red or purple marks that are similar to hickeys caused by the burst of small capillaries below the surface of the skin. This does not always happen, but is a common side effect. The marks can last anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks and some soreness is common after a session.

Questions about cupping? Get in touch with us at hello@kineticliving.ca