The Health Benefits Of Cupping

Cupping is a type of alternative therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. In recent years cupping has grown in popularity – celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston and even athletes like Michael Phelps have drawn the public’s attention to the benefits of this traditional form of therapy. If you want to learn more about the benefits of it, keep reading:

It Reduces Anxiety

Cupping helps engage your parasympathetic nervous system. This is what promotes deep relaxation throughout your entire body when the cups are glided across your skin. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body’s rest and digestion response when the body is relaxed, resting, or feeding. Hence, the relaxation from the therapy can help reduce anxiety. 

Increases Circulation

Circulation is increased by the suction from the cups. Hence, the additional blood flow in the area where the cups are placed can help relieve muscle tension and even promote cell repair. Since there is an increase in blood flow, cupping could also help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Clears Congestion

Congestion, which is the built-up fluid or phlegm in your lungs, can possibly be treated with cupping. The suction from the cups brings oxygen rich blood and lymph towards your lungs and other respiratory muscles. This can be done in a couple of ways, such as by the therapist placing the cups on your back or on your chest. The cups can also be used on the face to help relieve or unblock sinuses.

Improves Spider And Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are caused by increased blood pressure in the veins. They are a result of the valves inside of the vein not working properly. This then causes the implication of blood from the muscles not being pushed back towards your heart effectively. Hence the blood then becomes trapped in the vein, which results in twisting and bulging. Cupping aids circulation to the affected areas, therefore, patients may experience that their varicose veins appear lighter after a session of cupping. However, it may take multiple treatments over time to achieve lasting results.

Aids In Digestion

As the parasympathetic nervous system is engaged during a cupping therapy session, the gliding of the cupping delivers an increased blood flow to the digestive tract. Using dry cupping gently over the abdomen area can aid the digestive organs, and stimulation helps with peristalsis, which is the process of breaking down food via wave-like muscle contractions. This helps relieve indigestion by clearing blockages in the colon and by encouraging blood and bodily fluid to move throughout the organs.