- The possible benefits of Chinese cupping (cupping therapy)
- The principle of Chinese cupping
- Relief of muscle pain
- Reduction of physical pain
- Possible improvement in blood circulation
- Relaxation for sleep problems or stress
- Contraindications
The possible benefits of Chinese cupping (cupping therapy)
We have all seen those large red marks on athletes' chests, symmetrical circles that have become a recognisable sign of wellness treatments. Cupping therapy, the principle of Chinese cupping, is designed to relieve pain or relax the body through suction. But how does this system, as natural as it is surprising, work? Here, Calebasse Laboratoire presents the possible benefits of Chinese cupping.
The principle of Chinese cupping
Chinese cups, which come straight from Traditional Chinese Medicine, have become increasingly popular in France in recent years, in wellness treatments as well as in physiotherapy. Cups are known in particular for their possible detoxifying effects and for easing certain muscle pains.
When you see cups, they are usually glass bells or bubbles, and sometimes metal or bamboo ones, although these are rarer. The cupping therapy method consists of drawing the air out of the cups, which allows them to stick to the skin by suction. This suction dilates the capillary blood vessels and the pores of the skin. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cups are applied to specific acupressure points.Cupping is said to have a wide range of action: from pain relief to improved blood circulation. Depending on why they are used, cups are applied to specific areas of the body to bring out their possible benefits. Cupping can also be complemented by massage.
Cupping therapy is a real trend: many athletes and celebrities have been using this technique for several years. You can sometimes even spot the traditional marks left by the cups on their bodies.
But in concrete terms, what are the possible benefits of Chinese cupping?
Relief of muscle pain
The cupping technique is said to have multiple benefits for relieving muscle pain. Long used to bring relief to athletes, suction is thought to dilate the vessels to improve blood circulation and soothe pain. This non-invasive method is popular with many massage practitioners.
Cups should be placed on the most painful areas of your body, after physical exertion or for athletes who always work the same muscles. By following a guide, you can learn to apply your own cups yourself.
Limit application to two painful areas a day, that is, two muscles. Do not leave the cups on for more than 15 minutes, and stop if very pronounced bruises appear. You can use Calebasse Laboratoire cups, which are high quality and specially designed for use with a possible soothing benefit.
Reduction of physical pain
When it comes to physical pain, cupping therapy is also said to have multiple beneficial effects. Place the cups on painful, accessible areas of your body and leave them on for about 15 minutes. By drawing blood to the area through suction, the cup creates decompression where it is applied.
If you combine cupping with an oil massage or an anti-inflammatory cream, you could benefit from real relief of physical or muscle pain. Some physical aches following exercise could be relieved by cupping.
Possible improvement in blood circulation
With the suction effect, blood circulation is improved, which helps bring oxygen to the tissues. This natural drainage may possibly promote the elimination of metabolic waste. Your skin, muscles and tissues would thus be better supplied with blood.
Be careful, however: cupping should remain comfortable. As long as the person is comfortable with the suction, the technique could have possible benefits. But if there is any pain, it is important to remove the cups immediately.
Relaxation for sleep problems or stress
Apart from the possible physical benefits, cupping suction is also said to have a relaxing effect for sleep problems or stress. By inducing a state of deep relaxation, cupping therapy is thought to promote your everyday relaxation.
After a few sessions, you might feel an overall sense of well-being and regain good, restful sleep.
Contraindications
To practise cupping therapy simply and safely, Calebasse Laboratoire recommends a few rules:
- Do not use cups on children;
- Respect the application time;
- Do not use in case of heart failure or suspected haemorrhage;
- Do not apply to open wounds or recent scars;
- Do not use on pregnant women;
- Do not apply to intimate areas.
You now know a little more about the possible benefits of Chinese cupping. Come and discover Calebasse Laboratoire's range of glass and porcelain cups on our website!
