What Is Cupping?

Cupping therapy draws toxins, stagnant blood, and dead cells from within the deeper tissues to help decrease soft-tissue pain. This occurs as the negative pressure helps the body recover, relax, and rid itself of toxins that can impede
therapy. It is for this reason that cupping is considered to be a useful complement to other physical medicine and rehab modalities.

During a cupping appointment, plastic cups are placed on the skin, connected to negative pressure and allowed to sit for around 20 minutes. This stimulates the body’s natural healing process while rejuvenated, healthy circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to the area. As this occurs, the tissues become revitalized and regain a normal level of function. As such, this technique has become popular for helping athletes recover from sports injuries as well as normal wear and tear. Prominent athletes including Cristiano Ronaldo, Russell Westbrook, and Giannis Antetokounmpo regularly use cupping to recover.  

While cupping has a therapeutic effect on soft tissues, it does leave a distinct mark on the body. The dark spots
cupping therapy leaves behind are a hallmark of the procedure. These marks occur as static blood, cells and toxins emerge from the deeper tissues. They are generally painless and subside in 3-5 days, although we recommend you keep the marks covered for up to 48 hours after treatment. This procedure also opens up the pores of the skin, which may result in mild sensitivity to cold. Furthermore, lightheadedness and dizziness can also occur.

What It Treats

Muscle aches and pains most commonly develop from overuse, acute injuries or repetitive stress
. However, they can also develop from an excess of toxins in the body. Exposure to toxins through the environment and the foods we consume can have a wide-ranging physical impact. This can also lead to pain generators that are difficult to diagnose and sometimes require alternative forms of treatment.

Cupping therapy draws toxins, stagnant blood, and dead cells from within the deeper tissues to help decrease soft-tissue pain.