Cupping

In cupping therapy, a certified Santé Group practitioner places sterilized cups on the skin. The cup is manually pumped to create suction which encourages blood flow and this increased circulation facilitates healing and reduces pain. The sliding cups technique is traditionally performed on large muscle groups of the back to treat pain and muscle spasms. Massage oil is applied to the skin prior to the cups being placed, which allows the cups to glide easily over the surface of the skin.

Cupping has soared in popularity recently and has become part of the mainstream conversation when peak performing Olympic athletes showed up to competitions with classic cupping marks.

Cupping has been around for thousands of years and traces its roots to ancient Chinese and Egyptian medicine. Cupping was documented in one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, Ebers Papyrus, which was written in 1550 BC.

In ancient times, it was used for lung conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia. The use of cupping has evolved, and today it’s widely used for pain relief and musculoskeletal injuries, such as strains, sprains, back injuries, and inflammation.

Temporary, minor after-effects may be experienced with cupping, namely some bruising marks may appear on the skin, and occasional mild discomfort. Bruises from a cupping treatment can last from a few days up to two weeks. It is expected that over several weeks of repeated cupping treatments the bruising will decrease as the stagnation resolves, loosening connective tissue and releasing tight muscles. For patients with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or who are being treated with anticoagulants, cupping may not be the best treatment option. People with these conditions should discuss the pros and cons of treatment with their doctor before receiving cupping.

The benefits of cupping include stimulating blood and lymphatic circulation, enhancing tissue and fascia release, triggering local pain relief and muscle relaxation and better overall cell-to-cell communication. Cupping also improves overall health by reducing markers of inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines (chemical messengers) are reduced, and cytokines that promote healing and relaxation are increased.

Call us today to see how our Santé Group HealthCare practitioners can utilize cupping to complement your care to address a host of symptoms and conditions.