Cupping Therapy

Cupping. No, it's not just a seven-letter word to raise eyebrows in Scrabble! Cupping therapy is an ancient Chinese healing practice that can ease muscle pain and improve your overall health. The highly effective treatment has been used for thousands of years. The form of massage therapy gained popularity thanks to Michael Phelps' Olympic performance in Rio De Janeiro.

What is Cupping Treatment?

The cupping technique uses specialized cups that are placed on the skin. Then, using heat or air, the cups are suctioned onto the patient's skin and skin is gently lifted away from the muscle. The suction cups can either be left stationary or moved along the body. By increasing blood flow in the affected area, cupping can reduce soreness and speed up recovery of overworked muscles. It can also help form new connective tissue and promote cell repair.

Many athletes find relief from muscle tension from cupping. Other patients with underlying health issues like chronic neck pain and/or disease can also find positive benefits to cupping and fire cupping therapy. Cupping massage is a great complement to a Swedish or deep tissue massage.

Types of Cupping

There are two main modern cupping techniques:

• Dry cupping: suction only method
• Wet cupping: may involve suction and controlled medicinal bleeding

Benefits of Cupping

Are you curious about cupping and the health benefits of this ancient modality? Book a cupping session with a Total Body Chiropractic and Massage massage therapist. We specialize in cupping and fire cupping treatments in our lighthearted and approachable office in Bend, Oregon.