Cupping is a conventional therapy that is safe, relaxing, and beneficial for various medical conditions. Cupping provides a mild suction that loosens and lifts connective tissues, increasing blood and lymph flow to your skin and muscles. 

Learn more about cupping, its numerous advantages, and what to do before and after treatment in this Massage Rx Los Angeles blog!

What is cupping?

Cupping is a sort of alternative treatment in which “cups” are placed on the affected area of the skin to induce suction. The process will increase the energy flow in the body and aid in healing.

Cupping stimulates blood flow to the region where the cups are placed. And this may reduce muscular tension, improve overall blood flow, and promote cell healing. It may also aid in forming new connective tissues and blood vessels in the tissue.

Benefits of Cupping

There are many benefits of cupping, including:

  • Promotes skin’s blood flow
  • Changes skin’s biomechanical properties
  • Increases pain thresholds
  • Improves local anaerobic (without oxygen) metabolism
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Boosts cellular immunity
  • Increases lymph flow in the lymphatic system
  • Decreases uric acid and cholesterol

Cupping Can Help With Various Conditions

Cupping treatment can help various painful disorders. Some claim it also helps with chronic (ongoing) health problems. Cupping may help with the following:

  • Arthritis
  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Knee pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Asthma
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Hypertension

Different Types of Cups Used in Cupping

  • Bamboo
  • Ceramic
  • Metal
  • Silicone

Who Can Perform Cupping?

  • Acupuncturists
  • Chiropractors
  • Massage therapists
  • Medical doctors
  • Physical therapists

4 Main Categories of Cupping

  • Dry Cupping: Using the only suction method
  • Wet Cupping: Involves suction together with controlled medicinal bleeding
  • Running Cupping: Involves moving suction cups after applying oil to the affected area
  • Flash Cupping: Involves quick, repeated suction and release of cups on the affected area

What To Do Before Cupping?

  • Hydrate. Water is critical for your health, particularly your lymphatic system. Cupping is beneficial to the lymphatic system as it removes cellular waste from your body. So it requires enough water to do it.
  • Eat around an hour before your appointment.
  • Shave the area before your appointment. Your therapist will appreciate the stubble, and your skin will thank you.
  • Treat sunburn first. When you have cupping, the region will feel warmer than usual. So apply some soothing aloe to your skin and wait until it has healed before scheduling your next cupping session.
  • Do not exfoliate excessively. Exfoliating removes a layer of dead skin, causing your skin to become extremely sensitive. Wait a few days after an intense exfoliating treatment before having cupping done.

What To Do After Cupping?

  • Drink plenty of water – Water aids in the removal of cellular waste from your tissues by flushing your lymphatic system.
  • Cover the treated areas – Make an effort to cover the area(s) where you experienced cupping.
  • Rest well – After cupping, you may feel more sleepy than usual or suffer flu-like symptoms (headache or general body aches). And this is a transient immunological response to the cellular debris that cupping helps discharge.

Also, avoid the following after your cupping session:

  • Taking caffeine, alcohol, sugary food and drinks, dairy, and processed meats as they slow down the healing process.
  • Hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, and strong air conditioners – as your skin is more sensitive to temperature.
  • Intense exercise

How to Make Cupping Discolorations Go Away?

Your skin will have round markings after the session that range in hue from pink to deep crimson or purple after cupping. Cupping discolorations will vanish, and some may fade after a few hours, while others may take up to two weeks to entirely go. The bruises or markings are caused by the reaction of your body to the cupping. If you want those markings to fade quickly, you should drink and relax!

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If you have any concerns about cupping or want to schedule an appointment, contact Life Rx Los Angeles right now!