What is Myofascial Cupping?

Believe it or not, the history of Cupping Therapy dates back as far as ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic writing around 1500 B.C.

Early Chinese medical writings on the use of cupping were focused on its purpose during Chinese Surgery; primarily to restrict blood flow to the surgery site, and later assisting the body to remove disease and infection. Cattle horns and cross sections of bamboo were applied for cupping treatment in those times.

But don’t worry! Cupping nowadays involves a set of glass or plastic cups that are applied to the body. When using a set of vacuum cups, desired suction is created by connecting a small handle which, when pumped, draws the air from inside the cup. This suction can easily be released by way of a valve at the top of the cup.

How Could Cupping Help Me?

Cupping has a plethora of benefits, thought to affect tissues up to four inches in depth. Some of these benefits include:

  • Clearing congestion from common cough or cold
  • Relief of muscular pain, particularly related to muscle stiffness
  • Increase local blood supply to the muscles and skin, promoting nutrient-rich blood to muscle tissue
  • Improved lymphatic drainage
  • Releasing restriction in fascia and scar tissue (e.g. plantar fasciitis)
  • Stimulates parasympathetic nervous system, contributing to increased sense of relaxation

If you’ve been experiencing muscular tightness, lethargy, or even just recovering from a cold, cupping may be beneficial to you!

Is There Anything I Might Notice After my Treatment?

Following treatment, you may wonder: Is this strange bruise normal after receiving cupping?

Cupping treatment causes a blood stasis or bruising of the local area. If you’ve never received cupping before, you may not know that this is a very normal response to treatment.

You may have even noticed some round bruises on some of your favorite athletes? That’s from cupping! Pretty cool, right?

Generally, this will disappear within approximately one week, but in some cases could last up 15 days following treatment.