Cupping Therapy
If you are curious about cupping therapy, what it does and its potential benefits then you have come to the right place. While cupping therapy has gained some popularity in recent years (well a lot), its roots trace back centuries, with ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern cultures employing this technique with great benefits. So we have been using it for a long time.
Here at Physioflex, we offer cupping therapy as part of our holistic approach to health and well-being. Our experienced practitioners utilise cupping to relieve pain, promote relaxation, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation. To the right, you will find a video of our Physio Jordan completing the process of cupping therapy on one of our lucky team members.
The process includes:
- Placing the cups
- Squeezing the lever on the suction pump. This draws the skin, fascia and toxins up into the cup. This is great for: increased circulation, muscle relaxation, trigger point release, reduced scar tissue and of course pain relief.
- We check if in place and full suction applied.
- We leave for 5-15 minutes depending on effects wanted.
- Removal of the suction cups, followed by,
- Some relaxing heat packs and gentle breathing exercises.
What Does Cupping Do?
Basically, cupping therapy (vacuum cupping, hijama cupping) involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, releasing and drawing out toxins from the bodies tissues and organs (1). The suction is achieved by squeezing a lever on a rubber suction pump that draws air out of the cup (as shown in the picture here). Because the cup is firm against the skin, it creates an air locked space. So when we air is drawn out of the cup, through the pump, the skin and its capillaries are also drawn up into the cup causing the skin to rise and blood vessels to expand. This increases the blood flow to the area drawing impurities and toxins to the surface for elimination.
Where does the therapist put the cups? This is carefully chosen by the physiotherapist after a thorough assessment. The therapist will check muscle and joint length and tension, range of movement, check for trigger points and also ask the customer if they are experiencing any painful areas or points.
The technique is versatile, designed to enhance tissue release by gliding cups across different areas of the body further causing the skin to rise and blood vessels to expand.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy offers a range of benefits, making it a sought-after treatment method. While it can sometimes look quite gruesome, the benefits far outweigh the temporary appearance. During the cupping process (as above), the tissue is lifted and separated, releasing interfaces between neural tissues, fascia, skin, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
Muscle Relaxation
This technique relaxes muscles, lengthening them and improves general well-being
Trigger Point Release
Removes those tight knots
Immune System Boost
Improves lymphatic flow
Increased Circulation
Local blood flow boost
Reduced Scar Tissue
Breaks down scar tissue adhesions
Reduces Chronic Pain
Decrease in neck pain, low back pain & fibromyalgia.
Techniques Used- Cupping Gold Coast
There are many methods to create a suction.
We use manual + dry suction and use a manual rubber pump on plastic cups to control the suction. We find we have better control over the treatment with this method. We can then use a longitudinal (for muscles), cross-fiber (scar tissue), or circular massage (comprehensive coverage) of the cup to compliment the treatment, We will also use dry needling and heat in conjunction with the treatment.
You can also find glass (fire glass cups), bamboo wooden cups and silicone facial cups.
Experience Cupping Therapy at Physioflex
At Physioflex on the Gold Coast, we offer cupping therapy tailored to your needs. It’s a versatile treatment that can be adapted for deep tissue massage or lymphatic drainage, aimed at boosting skin health, respiratory function, digestion, and recovery from injuries.
Curious to explore the benefits of cupping therapy? Try giving one of our Physiotherapists a call to see if its right for you. Or Book below!
References
1. Al-Bedah AM, Elsubai IS, Qureshi NA, Aboushanab TS, Ali GI, El-Olemy AT, Khalil AA, Khalil MK, Alqaed MS. The medical perspective of cupping therapy: Effects and mechanisms of action. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine. 2019 Apr 1;9(2):90-7.
