| Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. |
The cups may be made of:
Glass, Bamboo, Earthenware or Silicone
Cupping therapy might be trendy now, but it’s not new. It dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. One of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, the Ebers Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians used cupping therapy in 1550 B.C.A. A more modern version of cupping uses a rubber pump (instead of fire) to create the vacuum inside the cup. Sometimes therapists use silicone cups, which they can move from place to place on your skin for a massage-like effect. The British Cupping Society says that cupping therapy is used to treat:
- Blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia
- Rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia
- Fertility and gynecological disorders
- Skin problems such as eczema and acne
- High blood pressure
- Migraines
- Anxiety and depression
- Bronchial congestion caused by allergies and asthma
- Varicose veins
CUPPING HELPS REDUCE CELLULITE IN 3 IMPORTANT WAYS
- It helps stretch and relax the hardened connective tissue beneath the skin, increasing elasticity and helping reduce the dimpled appearance of cellulite.
- It promotes healthy circulation of nutrient-rich blood, rejuvenating the skin and underlying tissues.
- It stimulates the flow of lymph, part of your body’s natural detoxification system. This helps dissipate fluid retention that emphasizes the appearance of cellulite.
Sounds great, right? If you’re ready to sign up for treatment, you’re in luck…
Many massage therapists and spas are aware of the incredible benefits of the 2,000-year-old art of cupping therapy, including us here at Jones Physical Therapy!
