How Cupping Heals Pain

Chris Maslowski asks, "What do you think about when you hear the word cupping?"

Let me take a guess. Hmm, is the word you’re thinking – octopus circles? Maybe it’s Michael Phelps? Or even Chinese Medicine?

Whatever came to mind, I bet you feel cupping is a little odd?  But honestly – it's not.

This ancient medical technique has been employed successfully to treat many common health problems – especially pain.

Compared to painkillers, Cupping has only one known side-effect – a pain-free body! Quickly, I will now share 3 reasons how cupping heals pain.

Cupping oxygenates your muscles

What does the blood carry?

Answer: Oxygen.

When the muscles are stiff and achy, the blood is not flowing. Cupping helps fix that. The therapy of cupping helps ring out the muscles by pulling the top layer of skin and fascia upwards. When this occurs, blood flow increases. Therefore, cupping increases oxygen in the muscles and the entire body. 

Cupping is Healing Hollywood

Cupping is everywhere. For years celebs have been wearing cupping marks proudly.

For example, did you watch the recent Olympics?  The shoulders of swimmer, Michael Phelps, were stained with sweat, water and purple cupping marks. Thank you Mr. Phelps for showing America how cool cupping is. As a fashion statement, even actress, Gwyneth Paltrow, wears cupping marks like they are in style. Cupping is not only healing Hollywood, but it’s been a huge buzz recently in the healthcare field.  

Cupping is Not Created Equal

There are two main types of cupping. I will explain.

Static cupping simply means that the medical practitioner positions the cups along the back and leave them there for 5-10 minutes. Once they're taken out, you may have pink tattoo-like circles across the back. Don’t worry, they only last 3-7 days.

Sliding cupping is the second type of technique. Sliding cupping simply means the cups are moved along the back using light Sombra – a medical massage topical. The best part about sliding cupping is that it’s safe, painless and extremely effective for chronic pain.

Christopher Maslowski, L.Ac.  

SOPHIA Natural Health Center