I love the Olympics and while watching earlier this week I was super excited to see Michael Phelps sporting cupping marks on his skin while in the swimmers starting block. As a Naturopathic Doctor, it is one of many tools that I use to help people with their health concerns, in particular muscular pain and recovery. So, I was excited to see an elite Olympian using a healing technique for pain that has been so successful for my patients.
So What is Cupping
In my practice, I use Traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment option which includes acupuncture and the lesser known cupping. There are different variations of cupping but they all basically use a cup with suction against the skin. This draws the skin up and draws blood flow to the area, stimulating muscles and relieving pain. It sounds painful but it is really pleasant and similar to a light touch massage if done appropriately. In fact, you can think of cupping as the inverse of massage, pulling up instead of pushing down on the skin. I’m a visual learner so here is cupping video to help you:
Cupping Benefits
There are a wide variety of ailments that cupping can address such as back and neck pains, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines, rheumatism, and cellulite. It also helps promote relaxation and blood flow as well as calming nerves.
Cupping can affect tissues 4 inches deep from the skin and has been used to clear congestion in the lungs such as chest colds and asthma. Cupping is very good for respiratory conditions.
Get Relief Today: call 403-313-4354 and book a quick 30 minute Cupping Therapy session.
Derek Cook, ND
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