Cupping therapy utilises a negative pressure to draw muscles and tissues up from underlying tissue. Traditionally, the negative pressure may be generated in a vessel (e.g. ceramic cups) using a removable heat source. The air in the cup contracts after the heat source is removed thus creating a partial vacuum.
Standing the test of time
You may have seen these purple spots on the backs of athletes (look at Michael Phelps in Rio Olympics in 2016) who had been treating with cupping therapy, but may not realise cupping has been a therapeutic technique sine time immemorial in many cultures, for example, Greek (ventouse), Italian (ventosa), Polish (bańki), Russian (Ставим Банки), Turkish (vantuz), and Chinese (ba-guan, literally lifting cups), among others.
What is cupping good for?
Cupping is used for people who experience muscular stiffness and tension over a large area related to overuse or repetitive activities, as opposed to well defined tender spots and points, in which acupuncture may be the preferred therapy.
Cupping versus massage
As opposed to conventional massage, where the therapist “pushes” towards and kneads at the soft tissue, attempting to relieve discomfort and improve circulation, etc., cupping therapy utilises negative pressure to “lift up” the soft tissue, and at the same time, creates a gentle siphoning of the “stagnant” blood and body fluid from the underlying muscles and tissue to encourage fluid exchange and promote circulation.
Don’t reject something just because it is old
We keep an open mind for techniques and practices that have stood the test of time, for true evidence-based medicine is the combination of clinical expertise, patient preference and research insight.
We use electric cupping machines and plastic cupping apparatus to ensure patient safety, comfort, cleanliness and consistency of pressure.
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