wellness
IS Cupping A CURE? By Cindy Lobert
If
you watched last summer’s Olympics, you may have noticed large red circles on some of the athletes’ backs. Those marks — bruises, in fact — were the result of cupping therapy, an ancient healing practice from Asia that uses cups to reduce muscle pain and increase circulation. There are many different types of cupping but the basic technique is the same. The client lies face down on a massage table and the
practitioner places cups on the body. Traditionally, cups are heated with an open flame, or a hand pump is used to create a vacuum. When the cup is lifted, red circular marks may appear. The creation of suction is said to enhance circulation and lymphatic drainage, helping tissues process metabolic waste and regeneration. Aside from promoting muscle rehabilitation and blood flow, many cupping practitioners believe that it
can cure various ailments The scientific community by removing obstructions warns that there are no in the body’s energy large-scale studies to pathways. Cupping is said prove cupping’s effectiveto release “trigger points,” ness, and that in some or tissue adhesions under cases where “bloodletting” the skin, that can create (small cuts) are involved, muscle pain and tension. it could be downright It’s also used to stimudangerous. late the immune system, Some athletes thwarting colds and disagree. Olympic gold flu. Sometimes cupping medalist Michael Phelps is is combined with acusaid to use cupping before puncture, a centuries-old every swimming event. Patricia DanflousOther swimmers and Chinese By tradition. Cupping enthusiasts gymnasts are fans as well. describe the procedure Even stars such as Gweas a warm, relaxing nyth Paltrow and Samuel massage-like experience L. Jackson use cupping to that enhances well-being combat aches and pains. and reduces stress. But If you’re interested in cupping has its share of trying this time-honored detractors as well. Some healing technique, be sure find the technique and its to find a trained health resulting red welts painful. professional. Check out But does cupping local massage therapists, actually work? acupuncturists, wellness Well, like many Eastcenters or spas to find a ern medical techniques, provider near you. Happy it depends who you ask. cupping! ihnola.com § facebook.com/inspirehealthnola
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