Cupping Therapy

[Bumanov]

Hello lovely humans, 

I am wondering if anyone has experience with cupping therapy that they would be willing to share as used for a recovery protocol? Was it beneficial (or the opposite), were there any notable effects? My physical therapist mentioned cupping and how it promotes circulation and all that other good stuff to tissues to help with healing and prehab. From what I understand, there isn't much scientific evidence to back it. However I have seen physical therapists use it on their clients/athletes (my mother used to do it to me as a child when I got sick, although it was too long ago to remember if it actually did anything). In any case, I'm not one to completely rely on science to dictate what I should and shouldn't be doing. Personal experience is far more valuable. I'm also curious what kind of effect it would have an effect on tissues that are chronically tense. 

[Francesco]

My tutor at the internship (massage therapy) also studied traditional chinese medicine and uses them sometimes, both from a TCM perspective and simply for increasing bloodflow to prepare an area instead of using the hands, eg. if she wants a short break after she has just done a few massages in a row. I think that's the best use from a western perspective, though I can't say if it really makes a difference for recovery. Also, I had her try them on me when we had some spare time and they definitely help a bit with flexibility - probably because they allow a better glide of the skin on the superficial fascia (much like gua sha does). 

[Bumanov]

6 hours ago, Francesco said:

if she wants a short break after she has just done a few massages in a row

That's pretty smart! Love the idea (currently in school for massage therapy). Was also looking into integrating it into my future practice. 

 

6 hours ago, Francesco said:

they allow a better glide of the skin on the superficial fascia (much like gua sha does). 

I've seen cupping used in conjunction with gua sha. One of my classmates felt the combination was very effective. 

Thank you for sharing!

[judystowers]

Hello - I have been doing massage for 17 years and have only recently started to incorporate cupping into sessions.  What I have found is that by PULLING instead of pushing the tissue, it helps release adhesions and allows that tissue to release.  I've had great success with using it.  I have both left the cups on the tight area as well as done a light suction and then glide the cup along the tissue (with fiber and cross fiber).  I think it is a great tool for the toolbox.  

[Bumanov]

8 hours ago, judystowers said:

PULLING instead of pushing the tissue, it helps release adhesions and allows that tissue to release.

That's a great concept! We do this with skin rolling, although it only directly affects the superficial layers.

Thank you for sharing!