Cupping Therapy: Surprising Benefits & Side Effects

This comprehensive guide explores what cupping therapy is all about, how it's done and

Kim Le

April 8, 2023

From easing muscle tension to helping with digestive issues, cupping therapy is an increasingly popular alternative treatment that offers a host of benefits. You might have seen professional athletes, including Michael Phelps, sporting cupping bruises on their bodies before their race. If you're curious about this holistic practice, read on to learn more!

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. Check out our blog 'what is cupping' to learn more!

How Does Cupping Therapy Work?

Cupping therapy is an ancient practice that dates back to Egyptian times. The therapist will place special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. This suction pulls your skin and underlying tissue up into the cup.

Some people believe that this helps to increase blood flow and loosen muscles. There is also some evidence that cupping can help to reduce inflammation.

Cupping therapy is usually done as part of a massage, but it can also be done as a standalone treatment. If you're interested in trying cupping therapy, make sure to find a qualified practitioner who has experience with this modality.

What Are the Benefits of Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is an ancient practice that is said to have a wide range of benefits. Some people use it for relaxation, while others use it for more specific purposes, such as relieving pain or treating a particular health condition.

There is some scientific evidence to support the use of cupping therapy for certain conditions. For example, there is some evidence that cupping may help relieve pain in people with arthritis or fibromyalgia. There is also some evidence that cupping may be helpful for treating digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Cupping therapy is generally considered to be safe when performed by a trained practitioner. Some people may experience mild side effects, such as skin bruising, after treatment.

How to Find a Certified Cupping Therapist

If you're interested in trying cupping therapy, it's important to find a certified therapist. Look for someone who is licensed and has experience with the practice. You can search online for reputable therapists in your area. At Hyper Health, Our practitioners are fully trained in providing cupping therapy. We combine traditional cupping techniques as well as myofascial cupping techniques which involve gliding of the cups across the body to release fascial restrictions. Schedule a consultation with our therapists at our Marrickville chiropractic clinic to discuss your goals and expectations for treatment.

Cupping Therapy FAQs

What is cupping therapy?

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which cups are placed on the skin to create a suction effect. This suction is said to promote healing by increasing blood flow and loosening muscles.

How long has cupping therapy been around?

Cupping therapy has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. It is also popular in other parts of the world, such as the Middle East, Europe, and South America.

How does cupping therapy work?

Cupping therapy is thought to work by increasing blood flow and loosening muscles. The suction created by the cups can also help to remove toxins from the body.

What are the benefits of cupping therapy?

Cupping therapy is said to offer a number of benefits, including reducing pain, improving circulation, and helping to detoxify the body. It is also said to improve skin tone and promote relaxation.

Are there any risks associated with cupping therapy?

Cupping therapy is generally considered to be safe when performed by a trained professional. However, there are some risks associated with the procedure, such as bruising, skin irritation, and infection. To reduce the risk of skin irritation and infection, Your cupping therapist should be cleaning and sterilising the cups after each use.

What are the cupping bruises?

Although bruising is considered normal there is a limit to how much bruising is okay and that should be recognised by the trained provider. The bruising can occur when the cups are left on for too long or the suction has too much pressure.

Conclusion

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine that has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of conditions. In recent years, cupping therapy has gained popularity in the western world as people have become more open to alternative forms of medicine. While there is still much research to be done on the efficacy of cupping therapy, there are many people who swear by its benefits. If you are looking for a non-invasive treatment option with few side effects, cupping therapy may be worth considering.

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