Getting Treated Like An Olympian With Cupping
While watching the Rio Olympics, you may have noticed several athletes covered in circular symmetrical bruises. No, these bruises are not injuries from their sport (or even getting slapped by an octopus, as I’ve heard!). In fact, they are marks caused by an ancient form of therapy called “cupping”.
Cupping has long existed in many cultures including China and Africa to stimulate the flow of blood and energy in the body. There are several techniques, but the method used by Dr. Rayna Stengel at Miami Sports Chiropractic & Yoga Center involves lighting a flame inside a specialized circular glass cup and then swiftly placing the cup on the patient’s skin, which creates a suction effect.
So What Does Cupping Do?
Cupping has been shown to work for pain management and to ease the effects of overexertion. The suction typically only lasts for minutes, and causes tiny blood vessels just beneath the surface of the skin to rupture and create circular bruises. These odd circular bruises have been visible on several Olympic athletes including swimmer Michael Phelps and gymnast Alex Naddour. Cupping is thought to reduce soreness and speed up the healing time of overworked muscles by drawing new blood to the affected area. It’s sort of like the effect of a deep-tissue massage, but instead of pushing, it is pulling.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the theory is that cupping can influence the flow of energy or “qi” through the body to promote healing. Qi and blood circulate together in the body, so when one is influenced, the other is affected as well. By moving the blood, we move the qi and vice versa. When qi and blood are stuck it creates what we know to be “pain”. It also works wonders for patients with the flu, colds, coughs, back and muscle pain, poor circulation, allergies, fevers, and a myriad of other pains/conditions.
What does it feel like after a cupping treatment?
From my own experience, cupping is a very chill, non-painful technique that leaves you feeling relaxed and less tender.The process of getting your skin pulled up into a circular globe can have a funny tightening sensation to it, but overall, the technique is very comfortable.
Our bodies are capable of remarkable self-healing and our healthcare team at Miami Sports Chiropractic & Yoga Center can assist you with a treatment plan that is right for you. Being the ‘leader’ of YOUR own personal health care you owe it to yourself to try non-invasive treatments such as cupping to assist with your quality of life.
Want to get treated like an Olympic athlete here in Aventura? Let Us Help You!