Cupping is a form of alternative medicine that uses a localised suction on the skin to create an increase in blood flow in order to promote healing. The clinical name for cupping is myofascial decompression. Although it derives from an alternative medicine background it has found its way into westernised medicine on the basis of the effects it may have on the myofascial. Cupping therapy is an ancient from of Chinese medicine that now uses pumps to reach its desired effects. Practitioners believe that cupping as a form of therapy increases blood flow to particular areas so that the body's natural healing process can take place. Rather as being used as a cure it is used as a stimulant of the physiological processes within the body. The term cupping is applied due to the use of small glass or plastic cups that are placed over the skin to become a suction device. Cupping works by restoring a sense of balance within the body's tissues so that functional movements and life can be made possible.
Therapeutic cupping works by using the suction of the cups to facilitate the soft tissue structures that need releasing or stretching due to overuse and a built up tension. These structures of soft tissue may also need releasing due to adhesions or restrictions due to stiffness and tightness. By using cupping the specialist is aiding in the release of these tissues which has a positive effect on the fibres that transport pain to the brain modulating the pain process.
Therapeutic cupping can be used in a clinical setting to increase the synovial fluids around joints so that it decreases stiffness and increases range of movement which isn't always possible with the use of traditional massage.
Above: Cupping massage technique
Cupping produces a stretching of the underlying tissues concurrently creating expansions of the soft tissue structures producing a vasodilation effect within the area being worked on, promoting a draining scenario in order for the toxins to be flushed away from the area leaving a therapeutic effect behind.
The benefits of cupping are?
Due to the effects of cupping, it may be used with effective end results for a number of disorders or injuries for the majority of the population such as:-
For more information regarding cupping as a treatment modality then email us on office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077.
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How does Cupping work?
Therapeutic cupping works by using the suction of the cups to facilitate the soft tissue structures that need releasing or stretching due to overuse and a built up tension. These structures of soft tissue may also need releasing due to adhesions or restrictions due to stiffness and tightness. By using cupping the specialist is aiding in the release of these tissues which has a positive effect on the fibres that transport pain to the brain modulating the pain process.
Therapeutic cupping can be used in a clinical setting to increase the synovial fluids around joints so that it decreases stiffness and increases range of movement which isn't always possible with the use of traditional massage.
Above: Cupping massage techniqueCupping produces a stretching of the underlying tissues concurrently creating expansions of the soft tissue structures producing a vasodilation effect within the area being worked on, promoting a draining scenario in order for the toxins to be flushed away from the area leaving a therapeutic effect behind.
The benefits of cupping are?
- Targets deep tissues
- Drains fluids
- Stretches connective tissues
- Breaks up adhesions
- Promotes lymphatic flow
- Promotes equilibrium of soft tissue structures
- Enhances blood supply to the skin
- Reduces stress
- Reduces anxiety
What conditions is cupping used for?
Due to the effects of cupping, it may be used with effective end results for a number of disorders or injuries for the majority of the population such as:-
- Musculoskeletal issues
- Pain modulation
- Tightness and stiffness
- Chronic pain
- Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Rheumatism
- Stroke
For more information regarding cupping as a treatment modality then email us on office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077.
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