Cupping Therapy

While the popularity of cupping has significantly increased in the past recent years, it isn’t a new practice. In fact, it was originally used by the ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern cultures. It is an ancient form of alternative medicine that is performed by placing cups on the skin, in order to create suction. Today, it is used as a way to relieve pain, promote relaxation, enhance blood flow, and ease inflammation. To find out more about how cupping may benefit you, contact Therapy Fit Physical Therapy today. 

How is cupping performed?

Cupping is a fairly intricate process. A physical therapist will begin by placing a flammable substance (such as alcohol or herbs) into the cup and setting it on fire. Once the fire subsides, the cup will be placed upside down onto your skin. As the air in the cup begins to cool, it creates a vacuum, causing the skin to rise and blood vessels to expand. 

In some more modern practices, rubber pumps will be used instead of fire to create the vacuum, and silicone cups are sometimes used to create a massage effect.