What is Cupping Therapy

‍What is involved

Cupping therapy involves the use of glass or plastic cups on the body to help relieve muscle tension and free up fascial restrictions. Cupping therapy works by lifting up the skin inside the cup like a vacuum, creating negative pressure, and gliding it across the body. In some cases dark circles or bruises may be present after a cupping therapy session however in most cases does not present with pain or tenderness unless done incorrectly.

Types of Cupping therapy:

Myofascial cupping:

Myofascial cupping has been becoming world renowned as more recent research has shown its benefits. As seen in the 2016 Olympics games when multiple athletes swam with prominent circular marks on their backs.

What is myofascial cupping?

Hundreds of articles have been written over the past decades showing its similarity with other traditional cupping. Myofascial cupping is an alternative form of soft tissue by creating a negative zone, separating the superficial tissue with deep muscles with a sucking motion through plastic, glass or silicone cups.

Hjiama cupping (wet)

There are 3 types of Hjiama cupping

1. Fire cupping:

• Where the inside of the cup is heated with fire allow oxygen to be absorbed creating a vacuum sensation

1. Pump Cups:

• This a modern technique which the cup is placed onto the skin exerting the oxygen allowing the superficial muscles to be separated with the deep muscles

1. Rubber cups:

• The cup is made out of silicone, individually squeezed to create a vacuum sensation without the use of fire or pumps  

Traditional chinese medicine cupping

Traditional Chinese cupping uses a similar technique as a myofascial process, however they follow the traditional Chinese medicine philosophy which believes in stimulating the flow of chi throughout the body, circulating vital energy. Believing blockage and imbalances of the body are due to the disruption of Chi through internal and external mechanics.

Benefits of cupping

At Hyper Health, We are trained and skilled in using myofascial cupping techniques. The benefits of myofascial cupping are myofascial restrictions that can create restrictions in movement and even cause pain. Myofascial cupping has been shown to

• passively stretch tissue resulting in increased range of motion
• Increases blood supply and heat to the area treated
• Increase fluid movement which assists in recovery
• Increases nutrient-rich blood supply to the injured area
• Breaks down fascial adhesions
• Increases overall hydration of the fascia
• Creates a response from the CNS - reduced local muscle unit firing which reduces the muscle tone

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If you have any further questions about how we can help with tight muscle and soreness, head over to our Contact Us page, or book in now to make an appointment.

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