Cupping is a type of treatment that became popular due to the Olympics, where athletes would have circular bruises on their body.
Now people can buy sets of cups and self-treat or find a practitioner who can do this for them.
The fact that it has become very popular and that anyone can buy a set of cups has a lot of disadvantages such as :
- Lack of knowledge of the anatomy,
- Not knowing why they are using them and
- Not knowing how to apply them.
The British Cupping Society says that cupping therapy may help treat:
- Blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia
- Rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia
- Fertility and gynecological disorders
- Skin problems such as eczema and acne
- High blood pressure
- Migraines
- Anxiety and depression
- Bronchial congestion caused by allergies and asthma
- Varicose veins
Cupping works by creating a vacuum between the air outside and the air inside the cup which will lift the skin quite significantly.
Although cupping has found to be fairly safe when done by a professional, you must keep in mind the following that can occur from cupping such as:
- Can be painful as the level of pressure can not be controlled
- bruising (which can last a few days to weeks),
- burns (when the cups have been heated),
- skin infection and mild discomfort.
Also, extra caution should be taken when cupping children, older people or pregnant women.
Cupping Supercharged
A great alternative treatment that can be used instead of cupping is a machine known as the Lymphatouch - a refined, advanced version of cupping.
This machine uses a suction mechanic which can be adjusted by a therapist and doesn’t lock onto the skin but can move depending on which setting the therapist selects and thinks is most beneficial for the client.
The lymphatouch will rarely ever leave bruises on the body but may cause some reddening to occur which will go down fairly quickly so there won’t be any internal damage to the soft tissue like you get from cupping. It works quick and painless as the pressure can be controlled. It is used by top sports clubs and athletes. It stimulates your lymphatic system, which is key to helping your body recover and heal.
Unlike cupping, the Lymphatouch can also be used to treat scars or areas on the skin that are more sensitive by breaking up the scar tissue.
The Lymphatouch can help with:
- swelling and inflammation,
- Back, neck, hip, shoulder pain,
- scarring and muscular tightness,
- musculoskeletal disorders and injuries,
- speed up recovery,
- drain waste,
- Muscle spasms,
- recovering from a muscle, ligament, tendon or joint injury/strain,
- Arthritis,
- Remove tightness to improve mobility,
- Plantar Fasciitis,
- Post surgery - reduce swelling, speeds up recovery
- Chronic Oedema - stimulate lymphatic system
- Post sport & gym recovery
