What is ‘cupping therapy’ and what are its benefits?
You may have seen some of your favorite influencers recently with perfectly circular purple spots on their backs. I’m sure you’re asking: What is that all about?
I’m here to let you know you should not be concerned. You should be inspired! Your favs are seeking Cupping Therapy. It may seem like the newest craze, but cupping has been around for thousands of years dating back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures (Kiefer par. 2).
“Cupping therapy is an… alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage” (Kiefer par. 1). Not only are their options to the type of cup used, but you can also pick between a wet or dry cupping therapy.
What happened during cupping therapy?
During the session, the therapist may use a flammable substance in the cup to set it on fire. As the fire burns out, the therapist will place the cups on your skin. The cool air inside creates a vacuum. In three minutes, your blood vessels will have expanded, causing your skin to raise and redden (par. 3-4). Your therapist may also use a rubber pump to create the same effect. Needle Cupping includes acupuncture needles being inserted, followed by a covering cup. After some ointment, your skin will stay redden for about 10 days.
What are the benefits to cupping?
“[F]indings from a 2012 report, published in PLoS One…. reviewed 135 studies on cupping. They concluded that cupping therapy may be effective when people also get other treatments, like acupuncture or medications, for various diseases and conditions, such as herpes zoster, acne, facial paralysis, [and] cervical spondylosis” (par. 5) Other benefits from cupping could be that it is a treatment for blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia, arthritis, skin problems such as eczema and acne, high blood pressure, migraines, anxiety depression, bronchial congestion caused by allergies and asthma, and varicose veins (par. 6).
Like any kind of therapy, you should first discuss with your Bellagena professional if cupping is the right practice for you. This month, we are having a special 15% OFF select cupping packages. Contact us today!
Credit
“Cupping Therapy.” Edited by David Kiefer, WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/balance/guide/cupping-therapy#2.
