If you watched the swimming events at the Rio Olympics in 2016 you might remember the dark purple circles dotting some swimmers’ backs and shoulders and running all the way down their legs. In fact, they were rather hard to miss.
Those perfectly circular marks are the result of cupping, a type of alternative therapy that originated from China that involves placing cups on the skin for a short period of time to create suction. The suction pulls the skin away from the underlying muscles in order to stimulate blood flow and facilitate healing and reduce pain. For athletes, it is a way to promote faster recovery and to get rid of the build up of lactic acid in the muscles that can lead to soreness.
What does cupping treat?
Cupping increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This relieves muscle tension, which can improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair. It may also help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue.
Cupping has been used to treat a wide variety of conditions. It may be particularly effective at easing conditions that create muscle aches and pains.
Since the cups can be applied to major acupressure or acupuncture points, the practice can be effective at treating digestive issues, skin issues, and other conditions commonly treated with acupressure or acupuncture.
Cupping is a long-practiced treatment that may help ease the symptoms of both temporary and chronic health conditions. If you would like to know more about cupping and whether it is right for you, please get in touch with me and email sophie@silverwoodacupuncture.co.uk.