You may have heard of the modality called “cupping” if you’ve been around the world of health and wellness, or if you’ve seen an RMT or practitioner of alternative medicine trained in the art. Dating back to ancient Egyptian, Middle Eastern, and Chinese cultures, this treatment is documented in one of the oldest medical texts called the Ebers Papyrus, as early as 1550 BC.
Cupping is the practice of using special cups made of glass, bamboo, silicone, or earthenware to create suction on a particular area of the skin. The effect is felt on several layers of tissues below the area, decreasing inflammation and increasing blood flow to lessen pain levels and improve the body’s ability to relax. It is likened to a deep-tissue massage.
Perhaps most memorably acknowledged at the Summer Olympics in 2016, athletes such as swimmer Michael Phelps and gymnast Alex Naddour created waves with the appearance of discoloured skin due to the therapy. The bruise-type response happens when blood vessels are broken just below the skin due to the pressure of the suction. Once the cups are removed, the blood is recirculated, and the area returns to normal.
In addition to its use in recovery for athletes, advocates promote the many whole-body healing benefits of this modality which include treatment for:
- Blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia
- Rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia
- Fertility and gynecological disorders
- Skin problems such as eczema, hives, and acne
- High blood pressure
- Migraines
- Anxiety and depression
- Lowering cholesterol
- Bronchial congestion caused by allergies and asthma
- Varicose veins
- Improving immunity
Curious about Cupping and its use in conjunction with registered massage therapy? Book an appointment with Cindy Grove, RMT, through her scheduling link. If you have further questions about Benefits Coverage, our location, or anything else, feel free to email us at admin@riverofliferehab.com.
References:
- Ansorge, R. and Gabrialla Pichardo, MD. November 5, 2022. “Cupping Therapy.” Retrieved January 30, 2024 from https://bit.ly/42g187z
- Shmerling, Robert H., MD. June 22, 2020. Harvard Health Blog. ”What Exactly Is Cupping?” Retrieved January 30, 2024 from https://bit.ly/3vY6mZx
- Photo by Katherine Hanlon on Unsplash
