We’ve all watched the Olympics and have seen Michael Phelps displaying bruised looking circles on his shoulders. Athletes have been known to use cupping to help improve performance, reduce stiffness and muscle cramps. Cupping targets muscle tissue by applying local pressure to pain points and areas of swelling. The eastern theory is to ‘remove heat,’ in other words inflammation from the body to relieve pain.
Cupping is an ancient therapy, dating back 3000 years. Long ago healers used glass cups and fire creating a vacuum to seal around the area of pain. Today, new plastic cups with air valve techniques can be used to avoid an open flame around the body. The cupping technique opens the pores of the skin, releasing built up heat and inflammation. Many times we have seen the skin underneath turn red, sweat, and even bruise when there is deep muscle injury. Cupping therapy is frequently combined with other alternative therapies such as massage, essential oil therapy, and your chiropractic sessions to get a deeper release from the muscle. Today, we often use cupping to help remove muscle pain or stubborn knots in muscles that won’t relax with massage work.
Benefits of cupping:
- Helps reduce pain
- Promotes relaxation
- Boosts skin circulation
- Helps treat respiratory issues
- Improves digestion
Stop in to Natural Elements and try this therapy with your chiropractic or massage session! Or call us @ 320-983-2333 to set up an appointment.