Cupping is used primarily to treat pain and inflammation, and can also help to break up restrictions in the body. The suction applied to the cup lifts the fascia and superficial connective tissue away from the muscle and increases blood flow, nutrients and oxygen to the area to aid with the healing process.
Bruises that are commonly associated with cupping don’t hurt. They may be tender after a treatment and can vary in their intensity of colour, but will dissipate over the next few days.
There are various ways we use cupping;
- Static – application where the cups are placed on the body without any movement involved.
- Drag – cups applied to the skin and dragged over the area of restriction or pain.
- Functional – cups are placed around an area, then with passive and active movement you can achieve increased range of motion and decreased pain and restriction.