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What is massage cupping therapy and how can I benefit?
Fire cupping is an ancient Chinese practice that has been used for over hundreds of years. What we do in massage therapy is recreate the suction of the fire cupping with a handheld pump and plastic cups to get a suction that can help relax the tissue below. It’s a great addition to a targeted massage or a relaxing addition. When a gliding technique is applied it feels more relaxing than static cups. You can check out this article by TIME for more info on that, but lets get started.
Normally when doing deeper work for athletes, you would do it days to a week before their event because of muscle fatigue but with cupping therapy you can do it hours before! You see, you leave the cups on for about 5-10 minutes while you work on another area. When we take the cup off, some of the work we would have done is finished in half the time! This allows for better mobility and relief, depending on the client. TIME did another article on why Michael Phelps loves it so much.
We wanted to offer more options to our athletic clients, and this was a great way to do that and still offer something new to everyone.
Cupping therapy is a great way for athletes and those who want to try something new to experience a deeper session.
Why is Massage Cupping So Effective?
Massage cupping is a therapeutic technique that has gained popularity due to its perceived effectiveness in addressing various health concerns. This article aims to explore the reasons behind the effectiveness of massage cupping by examining relevant research and literature.
Massage cupping is an ancient form of therapy that involves creating suction on the skin through the use of specialized cups. The cups can be made of materials such as glass, bamboo, or earthenware. The technique is believed to promote healing and provide relief by improving blood flow, releasing muscle tension, and stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Cupping is believed to balance Qi (energy) and blood flow, offering relief for pain, inflammation, respiratory conditions, and musculoskeletal issues. While more research is needed, current evidence suggests its effectiveness in managing various pain conditions, including chronic pain, knee osteoarthritis, low back pain, and neck pain, making it a promising, safe, and non-pharmacological therapy.
Several studies have investigated the therapeutic effects of massage cupping. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that cupping therapy, especially when combined with other traditional Chinese medicine treatments, showed significant benefits in various conditions. The review highlighted the potential of cupping therapy in pain management and the treatment of specific ailments. Additionally, cupping therapy was found to be well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects reported in the trials.
The mechanism of action behind the effectiveness of massage cupping is not entirely clear. However, it is believed to involve multiple factors. The placement of cups on specific acupoints on the skin is thought to induce hyperemia or hemostasis, leading to improved blood circulation and nutrient supply to the affected areas. This increased blood flow can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing. Furthermore, cupping therapy is suggested to stimulate the release of endogenous opioids, which can contribute to pain relief and relaxation. The mechanical effects of cupping, such as the stretching of soft tissues and fascia, may also play a role in reducing muscle tension and promoting mobility.
Cupping and Massage Therapy
Incorporating cupping with massage allows therapists to strategically target specific areas, enhancing the therapeutic effects of both practices. This combination is particularly effective for chronic muscle pain and sports injuries
It is important to note that while massage cupping has shown promising results in various studies, the overall methodological quality of the research is generally considered low. Further rigorous and well-designed trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of massage cupping and its potential benefits for a wider range of conditions. I love using cupping in my massage practice to help with those stubborn areas or if a client has a competition/game/meet etc. This prevents them from feeling like they got a “workout” causing fatigue to the muscles.
Massage cupping is believed to be effective due to its ability to improve blood circulation, release muscle tension, stimulate healing mechanisms, and potentially modulate pain perception. Although more high-quality research is required, the existing evidence suggests that massage cupping can be a valuable therapeutic approach for various health concerns. Cupping and massage therapy, deeply ingrained in ancient wisdom, continue to offer valuable solutions for contemporary health issues, emphasizing the enduring relevance and potential of traditional practices in modern healthcare.
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