Cupping therapy is not something you hear about every day. This alternative form of medicine has its roots dating back to ancient Egyptians and Chinese medicine. It uses glass cups as suction on areas of the body to reduce pain and inflammation and to relax. The suction that these cups create causes blood to flow to the surface of the skin. It is believed that this gets rid of negative energy from the body. The procedure itself isn't painful but does leave some circular bruises. Let's look at the health benefits this form of therapy can provide.
1. Helps reduce pain
It was reported in Massage Magazine that people who underwent cupping therapy proclaimed it helped relieve chronic pain as well as increased range of motion to injured areas. Patients who reported this pain relief also stated that it lasted longer than other massage pain relief methods.
2. Improves the flow of energy
In traditional Chinese medicine, this form of therapy is practiced to improve the flow of energy throughout the body. It is believed that the bruises this procedure causes are negative energy elements coming up to the surface to exit the body. Due to this, it's common for the cups to be placed over traditional energy collection points, the same ones targeted in shiatsu massage and acupuncture. The idea of improving energy flow is that it can improve both mental and physical well-being of a person.
3. Provides relaxation
As with other massages, cupping therapy is actually pretty relaxing. It is done in a soothing atmosphere using the light touch of the therapist. The therapist may decide to move the cups around the body, which will mirror the strokes you would receive in a regular relaxation massage. The great benefit of using cupping massage for relaxation is that not only can it relax you, but help with anxiety and depression.
4. Loosen muscles
Cupping massage loosens the muscles by bringing an influx of blood to the targeted area. This softens the muscle tissue, resulting in a better sense of mobility and increased flexibility.
5. Improves digestion
Cupping therapy may help people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or irregularity. The majority of digestive issues are caused by high amounts of stress. And because cupping is a great way to relieve stress, it can also improve the health of your digestive system.
6. Improves skin complexion
Since cupping is able to reduce skin inflammation, this means it can ease breakouts from acne or eczema. During the procedure, the suction will be applied to the affected area, "nicking" skin in the process, thus, removing the breakout.
