Cupping really catapulted in to media during the 2016 Olympics when swimmer,Michael Phelps was seen to have the tell-tale circular marks across his upper backand shoulders (he won 5 golds and 1 silver, making him the most successful athlete of the Games for the 4th Olympics in a row!)

What IS cupping?

Cupping therapy involves either heating the air inside a glass cup to remove some of the air from the cup, or doing this manually with a little suction pump. The resulting vacuum pulls the skin partially into the cup, causing a bruise as the blood is drawn in to the tissues.

What are the benefits?

From anEastern perspective, cupping can improve overall health by removing blockages to the flow of healthy energy or qi.

Western medicine advocates cupping  in the treatment of athletes or those suffering with non-sporting injuries, as it increases nutrient-rich blood flow to an area which can help with healing and recovery after an injury or an intense workout / competition. The person experiences this as reduced muscle soreness and tightness and pain-relief.

Cupping also facilitates or assists drainage of the lymphatic system, carrying away toxins from the body part, working to reduce soreness and  improve the nourishment and mobility of tissues.

The cupping massage technique applies a gentle sustained stretch,  lifting and separating the tissues, loosening tight muscles and connective tissue adhesions plus moving deep inflammation as it does so.

In summary, cupping:

• Increases blood flow / circualation
• Reduces muscle soreness
• Promotes post-exercise recovery
• Relaxes tight muscles
• Facilitates lymphatic drainage
• Helps with pain-relief

The BritishCupping society state that cupping therapy can be used to treat:

• Migraines
• Bronchial congestion
• Arthritis
• Cervical spondylosis (neck pain)
• Lumbar disc herniation (lower back pain)
• Plantarfasciitis
• Improve the immune function

Cupping is available from both our acupuncturists and massage therapists and is a popular treatment modality amongst many of our patients.

Want to speak to one of our staff about this this service? Get in touch via our contact form or by calling us on (01) 853 2788.