You’ve probably seen a famous athlete with large circle-shaped marks on their body and wondered if it was a birthmark or bruise. The truth is these marks are caused by a therapy known as cupping, a re-discovered wellness trend that has been around for centuries.
This article will cover cupping therapy, its benefits, and why you should consider adding it to your wellness plan.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is placing a heated cup on the skin to create suction. These cups can be made from glass, ceramic, bamboo, or even plastic. They can be placed on the skin, wet or dry.
When the cup creates suction, the body reacts to increase blood flow and reduces tension. This can relieve the aches and pains of muscle repair and promote cell repair.
Cupping therapy isn’t new, as it has been recorded as a procedure as far back as 1500 BCE in Egypt and was even used in ancient China.
The Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Whether you are an athlete or someone who suffers from aches and pains for various reasons, cupping therapy can likely help you find some relief. Below are all the different benefits of cupping therapy.
1. Relieves Sore Muscles
The most obvious benefit is that cupping increases blood flow and the rate of cell repair, which can relieve sore muscles. Athletes can increase their recovery time using this method, and many choose to engage in cupping therapy, especially those under challenging events like the Olympics.
2. Helps with Neck, Shoulder, and Back Pain
With the shift toward a sedentary lifestyle, many suffer from sore necks, shoulders, and backs. Cupping therapy helps increase blood flow to these areas, easing soreness and stiff muscles.
3. Helps with Chronic Conditions Like Arthritis
Those with chronic conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraines can find some pain relief from cupping therapy. Cupping therapy breaks the small blood vessels in the area (which creates the round spots you see) and draws new cells. As a result, this can help alleviate the pain and swelling associated with these chronic conditions.
4. Can Help Cleanse the Blood from Heavy Metals
Because cupping therapy requires the body to clear away old blood and replace it with new blood, it can help clear the body of excess heavy metals. While this specific benefit is still being investigated, it is well-known that cupping therapy has an excretory effect.
5. Helps Reduce High Blood Pressure
Cupping therapy can help reduce high blood pressure, especially when used in conjunction with other methods of blood pressure reduction. Cupping increases blood flow, which directly helps reduce blood pressure, meaning it can also lead to a calming effect in those who feel stressed because of their high blood pressure.
Ready to Try Cupping Therapy?
Whether you are an athlete, or someone suffering from a chronic illness, cupping therapy can help you to feel and perform better. Here at HighKey Balance, we know how to use cupping therapy as part of a customized wellness plan. Get in touch with us today to develop a perfect wellness plan for you!