Cupping
Have you ever seen people, maybe even your favourite athlete, with round red or purple marks on their back, shoulders or legs? Those marks are the result of cupping therapy!
What is cupping therapy?
Cupping therapy is the application of suction cups to the skin to create pressure to an area of concern. These cups are left on for up to five minutes. Round red or purple marks may occur after cupping and can last for up to a few weeks.
What are the benefits of cupping?
Increased blood flow
Reduction in pain and inflammation
Decompression of the fascia (a dense layer of connective tissue that surrounds our muscles)
What are the different ways your practitioner can use cups?
Static – Cups are applied to an area of tightness and left there for up to five minutes.
Gliding – Cups are applied to an area and your practitioner will slide and glide the cup up and down or side to side.
Functional – Cups are applied to an area. The patient will then perform a movement with the cups on. This movement is generally a movement the patient has difficulty doing.
What are the most common types of cups your practitioner may use?
Glass – Come in a range of different sizes. Fire is used to create oxygen inside the cup to generate suction when applied on the area.
Plastic – In order to create the pressure or suction of the cup a pistol handle is used over the top of the cup when applying it to the area. (Plastic cups are in use in the photo above.)
Silicone – Suction is created by your practitioner’s hands and is a great choice if the patient is interested in gliding cupping.
Cupping is one of the treatment techniques our Myotherapist Cassie and Remedial Massage Therapist Sarah may use during a consult. To learn more about cupping, call our friendly reception team at Be Well Health Group in Grovedale on (03) 5244 0063 or feel free to make an appointment online.
Happy cupping!
Cassie