She Strengthens

Unlock the Power of Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy has gained popularity in recent years, thanks in part to high-profile athletes like Michael Phelps and Kaley Cuoco. But what exactly is cupping, and can it really provide relief from pain and muscle tension?

A Timeless Practice

Cupping has been used for thousands of years, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient Chinese and Egyptian medicine. According to Frances Wocicki, MS, founder of Crow Heart Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs, “It’s been used in many cultures around the world for possibly 5,000 years.”

How Cupping Works

During a cupping session, a practitioner places multiple cups on your skin, creating suction that draws blood to the area. This increases blood flow, which can help relieve muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Iman Majd, M.D., licensed acupuncturist and director of the Osher Clinic for Integrative Medicine at the University of Washington, explains, “It’s basically like a reverse massage, in that with a massage you are pushing the skin around, whereas with cupping, you are pulling the skin up.”

Benefits of Cupping

Cupping can be beneficial for a range of health issues, including muscular pain and weakness, sports injuries, gastrointestinal and circulatory problems, lung ailments, skin troubles, and stress. Mark Carter, M.D., an internist and founder of Zero to Healthy, recommends cupping for individuals with muscle tension issues, limited range of motion, or difficulty relaxing certain muscles.

Acupuncture: The Perfect Pairing

Cupping is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, which releases endorphins and addresses deeper, systemic issues in the body. Frances Wocicki notes, “A traditional medicine approach usually aims to treat both the branch—often the physical symptoms—and the root of the problem. In this way, cupping can be thought of as the branch, whereas acupuncture is the root.”

Is Cupping Right for You?

If you’re experiencing physical pain or discomfort, cupping may be worth considering. While there are some limitations and contraindications, such as pregnancy, high fevers, and bleeding disorders, the risk is reportedly low. As Mark Carter, M.D., notes, “Cupping is reportedly low risk, so there’s minimal downside if someone wants to try it.”

What to Expect

After a cupping session, you may experience temporary bruising, which can last anywhere from a few days to a week or more. The duration of the marks depends on individual factors, including blood flow and stagnation. Frances Wocicki reassures, “Someone with a healthy blood flow and not a lot of stagnation will tend to have lighter marks from the cupping than someone with more stagnation.”

Give Cupping a Try

If you’re curious about cupping therapy, consider consulting with a qualified practitioner. With its rich history, potential benefits, and low risk, cupping may be just what you need to alleviate pain and promote overall well-being.