3 Reasons to Try Cupping Therapy

Have you ever heard of cupping therapy?

Cupping massage or cupping therapy is essentially a different form of massage therapy that uses suction instead of pressure to ease sore muscles and treat a variety of conditions. The process involves placing suction "cups" on the skin, which creates a vacuum, with the intention of improving circulation and removing toxins.

You've probably seen its results floating around on the news or the internet: unusual red round spots that look like bruises and are left behind after a session. You may have even wondered whether or not it even works.

The truth is that it’s an all-natural therapy that can work in a few different ways. Here are a few reasons to try this all-natural and safe cupping therapy if you're curious.

1. It’s Safe

Cupping therapy (or “cupping”) has been used for centuries without evidence of any serious side effects, other than minor ones such as the noticeable circular red marks left on the skin post-treatment. Cupping is an ancient healing method that the Chinese believe helps to balance the life force or “chi” via a type of reverse pressure on muscles and tissue.

There are different types of cupping: wet and dry. Wet cupping involves making lacerations in the skin and letting blood out. The most common form of cupping in North America, however, is simple heat-based dry cupping.

2. It’s Good for a Range of Ailments

By loosening muscles, improving blood flow, facilitating circulation, and calming the nervous system, cupping is not only a therapy that can relieve muscle pain but also plenty of other types of neuromuscular or even mental health conditions.

Cupping is often used on its own or even in conjunction with other therapies to relieve a variety of ailments — here are just a few of many examples:

• Coughs
• Flu
• Muscle Pain
• Circulatory issues
• Allergies
• Anxiety
• Cellulite
• High blood pressure
• Fibromyalgia

Because it's a holistic type of therapy, there's an excellent chance that you could go in for a cupping session for one reason, and, through careful evaluation, you may find that it's actually good for other problems.

In addition, trained practitioners will be focused on a holistic approach, so they will be able to recommend a treatment plan based on natural healing.

3. It’s a Favourite of Athletes and Celebrities

Celebrity athletes like Michael Phelps and Wang Qun famously bore the marks of cupping treatment on their backs, and many other athletes turn to cupping as a means of easing muscle pain and improving circulation.

Jennifer Aniston and Gwenyth Paltrow are two other celebrities who have made cupping famous as well, and both apparently have seen results from the procedure.

Is Cupping for You?

Just like any other alternative therapy, cupping is effective for some, and may not work for others. Also, while it's extremely low risk, it's not recommended for children, pregnant woman, or people with certain health conditions such as skin ulcers or issues that cause people to bleed easily.

If you are going to try cupping, make sure you get a consultation from a licensed practitioner first. They will be able to evaluate you and tell you if you are a good candidate for this treatment. Don't hesitate to reach out to a trustworthy natural healthcare practitioner today for more information on cupping therapy.