Cupping is one of those old world therapies that has been receiving a lot of publicity in recent years. It seems like since Michael Phelps was seen with the stereotypical circular bruises everyone has been wanting to know more about it, and athletes have been looking for ways to get cupping therapy, so they too can have that cheeky I just won smile on their face (Read more on Men’s Health). For example, my cousin has been a swimmer his whole life, he swam his way through college at Roger Williams and did very well there. He would on occasion make his way up to my office for manual therapy including cupping and myofascial release. He is a very determined individual and would place very well after our sessions at big swim meets. I eventually got him a cupping set of his own and he became the go to guy doing cupping therapy on his teammates.  

How to spot someone at the gym that may have been cupped 1

Cupping therapy in its many forms including running cupping, stationary cupping, and fire cupping are integral in treatments performed in our office. Once reluctant patients get over the mental hurdle that the bruises do not hurt they actually become cupping therapy’s biggest advocates. I cannot tell you how many times I throw my whole bag of tricks  (acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, manual therapy, infrared heat, gua sha, cupping) at a case only to find out that the cupping massage therapy is what my patients love best and at times find the most helpful in their case. 

So what is the mechanism behind why cupping therapy works so well?  (Read more on NCBI) Once the cup is applied to the affected muscle the tiny capillaries break, blood cells pour out into the extravascular space dumping platelets and other nutrients into the tissue. Your body is inflamed so it starts an inflammatory process locally to clean up the mess and begin the healing process. During the process Heme Oxygenase-1 is release triggering a whole cascade of beneficial effects, see the above article for more info on this.  

Hopefully your interest is sparked and you are thinking about all the little sore spots you want to have cupped. I can honestly say you can cup most anywhere, but I find I am commonly cupping necks, backs, glutes, and IT Bands. Usually patients with fibromyalgia, motor vehicle accidents, or sports injury including muscle strain or tendonitis see the most benefit. 

Ok, now you are in the know! Chances are if you are working out at a local gym like Champions, or the new Alfond Wellness center, and you see someone with chiseled out delts and wonderful looking calves that looks like they got attacked by an octopus they are probably a patient of mine, and they probably are very disciplined… I mean seriously, do you know how hard it is to get chiseled delts!? 

Bonita Lehigh

My amazing hair dresser recommended Dr. Mari and Isaac Axtel at Maine Chi about two years ago. Over the past two years, my life has transformed for...

Kelly Mike Gardner

If you're interested in healthier alternatives for health care or nutritional care and advise, I highly recommend Maine CHI! SO HELPFUL!

Emily Buswell

I had a wonderful prenatal massage with Lucy yesterday. She was very warm and welcoming and put me right at ease. Her space is comfortable and...

Michelle Leclair

This was hard, but very worth it. It has changed my relationship with food. It was amazing to learn how we don’t need the amount of food that we...

Vanessa Holman

I love the care I have received here over the last few years! Dr. Mari was the first doctor to listen to my symptoms and concerns, order labs, and...

Caroline Harlow

I'm incredibly grateful to have found Maine CHI two years ago. I have struggled for years with muscular pain in my neck and shoulders. Isaac made me...

Carolyn Campbell

The reboot is a very worthwhile experience for anyone. Anybody wanting to learn more about how to better their health would benefit from this...

April Gay

I've had my first two session with Dr. Issac and it's been incredible so far! Such attentive and thorough care. I'm SO grateful to Anthem and Issac...

Robin Mathews

I decided to give natural medicine a try and I'm so glad I did. I found out more in one session with Dr Mari than I have in the last few years with...

Andrea Morin

For anyone who wishes to change your thoughts and relationship with food, this detox program is a must! The detox process is difficult but so worth...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share this post with your friends!