Cupping therapy is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that has been practised for over 3,000 years. With celebrity fans aplenty, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston, cupping therapy benefits result in a safe, surprisingly non-painful method that is as holistically beneficial as it is trendy.
Many professional athletes are proud cupping therapy enthusiasts. The most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, is a noted aficionado – fans may remember the purple circles covering the swimmer’s back and legs at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Apart from being practised by elite sports stars to promote faster recovery times and reduce muscle soreness, there are plenty of additional cupping therapy benefits that can assist with various everyday ailments.
Here are the top ten cupping therapy benefits that boost health and wellness.
Reduces Pain
Perhaps the most common reason that many turn to cupping therapy, is its ability to reduce muscular pain. Ideal for targeting the deep tissues, the technique loosens stiff muscles and simultaneously relaxes pinched nerves (hence it’s popularity with professional athletes), the targeted areas are flooded with oxygen and receive a fresh flow of blood, carrying toxins away from the area to improve range of motion and ease swelling, aches and pains.
Aids Relaxation
Cupping therapy effectively aids relaxation and minimises the effect of stress on the body, so it’s great for those struggling with anxiety. The treatment allows the nervous system to sedate, promoting muscles in the body to relax and rejuvenate.
Reduces Inflammation
Another major cupping therapy benefit lies in its ability to boost blood circulation and promote anti-inflammatory chemicals. This is due to the release of white blood cells, fibroblasts and many other healing chemicals that assist with healing the areas of the body that are in pain.
Detoxes the body
Cupping therapy fantastic for an overall physical body detox. Toxins, metabolic waste and dead cells can be drawn out of the pores of the skin with regular practice, these harmful impurities are removed by utilising the lymphatic drainage system – drinking plenty of water is recommended to naturally eliminate these nasty pollutions.
Regulates Qi
Qi refers to life’s vital, transferable energy. This energy flows through the lines of meridian channels, passing through the body’s vital organs. Through the benefits of enhanced circulation, cupping removes any stagnation and opens up these passages to rebalance the flow of Qi, resulting in stronger veins and regulated meridian channels.
Relieves muscle tension
Like a reverse deep-tissue massage, the suction caused by cupping releases a flow of new blood to the skin and major muscle groups beneath it, softening the tissue. Tight muscles are promoted to relax, leading to an increase in both mobility and flexibility.
Influences the nervous system
Cupping therapy benefits include positively influencing the central nervous system. Specifically, the non-invasive method helps to naturally sedate the nervous system, allowing for deep relaxation. The traditional Chinese technique maximises cell to cell communication for the brain to transmit signals to areas of the body, minimising brain congestion and lowering blood pressure and heart rate.
Purifies skin
Forget expensive and ineffective creams and lotion, cupping therapy is famous for its incredible effects on the skin. Whatever your concerns – wrinkles, acne, eczema – cupping therapy benefits include helping reduce many of your skin woes. Not only is inflammation eliminated and skin respiration improved, the increase in blood circulation results in a boost of collagen and elastin producing cells for beautifully clear, plumped-up skin.
Improves digestion
Digestive issues, like IBS, are commonly caused by tension and stress. Cupping therapy, specifically pinpointing areas on the stomach, aids the relaxation of the muscle tissue for improved movement in the digestive system, including regulating bowels.
Stimulates vital organs
Cupping can help stimulate vital organs, in turn promoting increased organ function by activating acupuncture points. By applying pressure, blood flow is regulated to acupoints that are connected to their corresponding organs.
If you are struggling with any of the above ailments or would like more information on how cupping therapy can help you, contact our friendly team of professionals today.