What’s Cupping Therapy and why should you try it?
If you’ve ever seen athletes with those round, reddish marks on their skin or heard someone rave about cupping therapy, you might be wondering, "What is that all about?" Is it just a passing trend, or could this ancient practice actually help with your health? Let’s take a deeper look at cupping therapy and explore whether it’s something you should consider trying for your own wellness.
What is Cupping Therapy, Anyway?
Cupping therapy isn’t something new, even though it seems to be everywhere these days, especially after seeing athletes like Michael Phelps rocking those circular marks. This technique has been around for thousands of years, with origins in ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern cultures. It’s been used to treat a variety of conditions, from muscle pain to respiratory issues. And now, more and more people are rediscovering its benefits.
So, how does it work? Cupping involves placing special cups on your skin to create suction. This suction is believed to increase blood flow, relieve muscle tension, and promote healing. If you’ve ever tried a deep tissue massage, think of cupping as something similar—but instead of pressing on your muscles, it pulls them up to release tightness.
Why Should You Try Cupping Therapy?
So, you’re probably asking, “Why should I give cupping a shot?” The short answer: because it might just be the relief you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re struggling with chronic pain, stress, or even just trying to speed up recovery after a tough workout, cupping therapy has something to offer.
The Surprising Benefits of Cupping
Here’s the thing—while cupping may sound a little out there, the benefits can be pretty impressive. Research has shown that cupping may help with pain management, improve flexibility, and even aid in muscle recovery. After just one session, many people report feeling more relaxed and experiencing a significant reduction in pain. So, even if you’re skeptical, it’s worth considering.
Cupping Therapy for Muscle Relief and Pain Management
If you’re someone who suffers from muscle soreness or chronic pain (like back pain, neck pain, or even headaches), cupping therapy might be exactly what you need. Studies show that cupping can help reduce pain and improve physical function in people dealing with chronic pain. How? By increasing blood flow to the areas in need, cupping helps speed up the healing process and relieves tension. That means less pain and a quicker recovery for you.
Boost Circulation and Promote Healing
When cups are placed on your skin, they create a suction that helps blood circulate better in that area. This can help bring more nutrients to your muscles, tissues, and organs, allowing your body to heal faster and more effectively. If you’ve been feeling stuck or sluggish, cupping could be the boost you need.
Cupping for Stress and Tension Relief
Let’s face it—stress is something we all deal with. Whether it’s from work, family, or just life in general, we all carry some tension in our bodies. Cupping can help release that tension by relaxing tight muscles and calming the nervous system. Many people use cupping specifically to reduce stress and improve their overall well-being. If you’re feeling like your body is holding onto all the stress of the week, cupping can offer some much-needed relief.
How Does Cupping Work?
Here’s how cupping works in practice: During cupping therapy sessions at Built to Move, I first apply a small amount of oil or lotion to the skin to facilitate smooth movement of the cups. Then, using a specialized technique, I create suction inside the cups by briefly heating the air inside or using a mechanical pump. Once the cups are placed on the skin, they may remain stationary or be moved across the body in a gliding motion, depending on my assessment and the client’s needs.
The suction created by the cups draws blood to the surface of the skin, stimulating circulation and promoting the release of tension in the muscles and connective tissues. As the cups gently lift and separate the layers of tissue, they help to break up adhesions, promote lymphatic drainage, and encourage the body’s natural healing processes. Overall, cupping therapy at Built to Move is a safe, non-invasive treatment option that can complement a variety of other therapeutic modalities to support optimal health and well-being.
The Many Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Let’s dive into the ways cupping can help improve your health, from pain relief to skin benefits.
Pain and Inflammation Relief
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or dealing with ongoing pain, cupping therapy can be a lifesaver. By promoting better circulation, cupping helps reduce inflammation and speeds up healing. It’s particularly effective for treating pain caused by tight muscles, joint issues, or conditions like fibromyalgia.
Improved Flexibility and Mobility
Stiffness in your muscles can limit your range of motion and make everyday activities feel like a chore. Cupping helps to loosen up tight muscles, allowing for greater flexibility and mobility. If you’ve been struggling to move freely, cupping could be a great way to regain your range of motion.
Enhanced Athletic Performance and Recovery
If you’re an athlete—or even just someone who loves working out—cupping can give your recovery time a boost. It increases blood flow to muscles, which can speed up recovery after intense workouts or physical strain. Many athletes use cupping to relieve muscle soreness and return to training faster.
Cupping Therapy and Postpartum Recovery
For new moms, cupping therapy can be an effective way to speed up postpartum recovery. Between the physical toll of pregnancy and childbirth, many women experience back pain, muscle tension, and stress after giving birth. Cupping can help with all of that.
Cupping for Back Pain and Muscle Tension After Birth
After pregnancy, it’s common to experience back pain and tight muscles from carrying extra weight or from the physical strain of labor. Cupping can help release that tension and promote healing, making it a great option for new moms looking for relief.
Reducing Stress and Enhancing Well-being for New Mothers
Being a new mom is rewarding, but it’s also physically and emotionally draining. Cupping therapy can help reduce stress, relax your muscles, and improve your overall well-being—making it easier to take care of yourself while taking care of your baby.
A Natural Solution to Improve C-Section Scars
Cupping therapy can be a great way to improve the look and feel of scars, including C-section scars. The suction from cupping helps boost blood flow to the area, which speeds up healing by bringing fresh blood and nutrients to the scar. It also works to break up any adhesions where the scar tissue might be sticking to the layers underneath, which can make the skin feel tight or limit movement. By gently lifting and separating the tissue, cupping helps soften the scar, making it more flexible and less noticeable over time. Plus, it encourages lymphatic drainage, which helps reduce swelling and removes toxins, further supporting the healing process. Cupping can even help even out scar discoloration, giving your skin a more even tone. It’s a non-invasive way to support both healing and improving the appearance of C-section scars, but, as with any treatment, it's always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider to make sure it's a good fit for you.
Is Cupping Therapy Safe? What You Need to Know
Cupping is generally safe when performed by a trained professional. However, there are a few things to consider before giving it a try.
Potential Side Effects of Cupping: What to Expect
The most common side effect of cupping is bruising, but don’t worry—it’s temporary. Some people also experience mild redness or soreness in the treated area, but these usually fade within a few days. If you have sensitive skin or any medical conditions, it’s important to talk to your doctor first.
Who Should Avoid Cupping Therapy?
Cupping isn’t for everyone. It’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with blood disorders, or those with certain skin conditions. Always consult with a professional before trying cupping.
What to Expect in Your First Cupping Session
If you’re curious about trying cupping, you might be wondering what the process is like. Here’s a quick rundown:
Step-by-Step Guide: What Happens During a Cupping Session
During a session, Dr. Caitlin will place cups on your skin. Lotion or oil is applied to help suction. The session usually lasts between 10 and 20 minutes, and most people find the experience relaxing—like a deep tissue massage but in reverse.
How Long Does a Cupping Session Last?
Cupping sessions typically last around 10 to 20 minutes. It’s a short and straightforward process, but many people feel a noticeable difference right after.
Ready to Try Cupping Therapy? Here’s How to Get Started
If you’re curious about giving cupping a try, I’d love to help you experience the benefits at Built to Move. As a licensed physical therapist with specialized training in cupping, I’m here to walk you through the process and make sure you get the best results. Whether you’re looking for pain relief, stress reduction, or a faster recovery, cupping could be just what you need. Why not give it a shot and see how it can help you feel your best? Reach out to me at Built to Move, and let’s work together to boost your health and well-being with cupping therapy!
Whether you’re looking for pain relief, stress reduction, or a way to speed up your recovery, cupping could be just what you need. Why not give it a try and see how it can help you feel your best?
Call or text at 732-592-9064 or click the button below!
Resources: Astin J. A., Why patients use alternative medicine: results of a national study, Journal of the American Medical Association. (1998) 279, no. 19, 1548–1553, 2-s2.0-0032550626, https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.279.19.1548.
