{"id":35792,"date":"2016-08-16T15:35:45","date_gmt":"2016-08-16T20:35:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.massagebook.com\/massage-therapy\/?p=35792"},"modified":"2016-08-16T15:35:45","modified_gmt":"2016-08-16T20:35:45","slug":"answers-questions-youve-wondering-cupping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/massagebook.com\/massage-therapy\/answers-questions-youve-wondering-cupping\/","title":{"rendered":"Answers to the Questions You’ve Been Wondering About Cupping"},"content":{"rendered":"

Like the rest of the world, I\u2019ve been watching all the excitement down in Rio, but things got a little personal when Michael Phelps stepped onto the scene covered with curious round bruises.<\/p>\n

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My phone started buzzing, as I received text after text\u2026<\/p>\n

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What are those round marks on the bodies of some athletes? Is Phelps hurt? Is that going to prevent him from winning gold medals?<\/em><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n

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No, it\u2019s not a result of injuries. The circles are from a form of therapy called cupping<\/em>. In fact, I reassured them, it can be very beneficial.<\/p>\n

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\u201cSo, how in the world does cupping work?\u201d<\/em><\/h3>\n

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The process uses gentle suction and pumping to pull skin and connective tissue away from the body and is used to increase flexibility, promote bloodflow, relieve pain, and reduce swelling from muscles, deep tissues, or points of injury.<\/p>\n

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Unlike traditional massage, which exerts pressure on muscles, cupping works the opposite way – decompressing muscles by pulling them upward toward the cup.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIt looks painful!\u201d<\/em><\/h3>\n

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Although it can leave a mark after the treatment, the treatment itself is not painful. You\u2019ll receive a slight tightness or pinching feeling while the cups are placed on the skin, but often, it is a relaxing sensation.<\/p>\n

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Cupping therapy, like acupuncture, follows the lines of the meridians on your back to help align and relax qi (life energy).<\/p>\n

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\u201cIs this the new trend for professional athletes?\u201d<\/em><\/h3>\n

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The short answer, is no. Cupping has been around for a long time. I\u2019m talking ancient. This therapy actually dates back to 300 AD. In fact, this technique was recommended by Hippocrates, whom many consider the Father of Modern Medicine.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIs cupping only for athletes?\u201d<\/em><\/h3>\n

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Although cupping can be very beneficial for athletes, you don\u2019t have to be an athlete to benefit from this ancient therapy.<\/p>\n

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While cupping alone won\u2019t turn you into an Olympian, it can treat a number of different ailments, including:<\/p>\n