Cupping therapy is a form of alternative medicine in which cups are placed on the skin to create suction. The suction is created either by heating the air inside a cup before placing it on the skin, or by using a mechanical pump to create suction after the cup is placed on the skin. The suction created by the cups directs circulation of blood to specific areas of the body to increase oxygenation and promote healing.

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Cupping therapy is used by various individuals including healthcare practitioners such as acupuncturists, massage therapists, chiropractors, and traditional medicine practitioners. While cupping therapy has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, it has gained more mainstream popularity in recent years due to its use by high-profile athletes and celebrities. For example, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and MMA fighter Conor McGregor have both used cupping therapy to alleviate muscle pain and improve athletic performance. 

 

Cupping therapy is believed to have several benefits, including:

 

• Pain relief: Cupping therapy is commonly used to treat pain in the muscles, joints, and soft tissue. The suction created by the cups is thought to help release tension and tightness in these areas, which can reduce pain.

 

• Improved blood flow: The suction created by the cups is thought to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can help speed up healing.

 

• Relaxation: Cupping therapy is thought to promote relaxation and reduce stress and tension in the body.

 

• Improved range of motion: Cupping therapy may help to increase range of motion and flexibility in the joints.

 

• Respiratory problems: Cupping therapy may be beneficial for people with respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.

 

Because of these benefits, cupping therapy can be used for a variety of other conditions WITHOUT the use of opioids to ease symptoms of:

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• Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis

• Back pain, neck pain, knee pain and shoulder pain

• Fibromyalgia

• Breathing problems, such as asthma

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Gastrointestinal disorders, such as IBD

• Headaches and migraines

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

 

The earliest documented use of cupping therapy dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), where it was used to treat a variety of conditions such as respiratory problems, gastrointestinal disorders, and musculoskeletal pain. It has been used for centuries in various cultures around the world, including in traditional Chinese medicine, ancient Egyptian medicine, and traditional Middle Eastern medicine. Today, cupping therapy is still used in many parts of the world as a complementary or alternative therapy for a variety of conditions.

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Cupping therapy is generally considered safe when performed by a trained practitioner. However, it may cause some mild discomfort or skin irritation, and there is a risk of burns if the cups are heated.

 

It is important to note that more research is needed to understand the potential benefits of cupping therapy and that it should not be considered as a replacement for proven medical treatments.