The origins of cupping
From over 4,000 years ago, the Chinese used the cup in search of healing and pain relief to the present day.
Cupping therapy or (cupping) is an ancient technique, used in ancient Egypt by healers and Greeks in the 4th century BC, according to the writings of Hippocrates, in order to suck poisons from bites of animals with mouths.
This technique has been perfected by traditional Chinese medicine, which is based on the principles of Taoist philosophy – balance of vital energy, practiced with a cup made of glass, silicone, bamboo or acrylic.
Its use today
Performed by the vacuum pump, there are different techniques, one being static and another mobile, also called sliding and performed with oils or creams. In addition to these techniques, it can still be performed using the flash technique or with massage, traction and vibration.
Cupping therapy can be used in various conditions of musculoskeletal imbalance.
Among the purposes of using this modality, the effects are among others:
- increased blood flow with the release of toxins in the face of an increased diameter of blood vessels,
- an analgesic effect due to the increase in the pain threshold,
- muscle relaxation,
- an elimination of Trigger Points,
- maintaining flexibility
- and improved synovial fluids.
When a prolonged myofascial or mechanical disorder is triggered in the muscle area, these lead to the appearance of one or more trigger points, causing stiffness and loss of flexibility in movement, causing trauma, pain and limitation, causing thus the misalignment of the body.
This range of muscle tension requires directed manipulation, therefore cupping therapy can be used as a conventional treatment resource for both acute and chronic pain. Mobilizing the soft tissues through the fascia, in which it inactivates the PGs, this treatment improves the functionality of the muscle in which the method has been applied.
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Tiago Alvarenga
Physiotherapist