Lady doing yoga

CUPPING THERAPY

Woman with cupping and red light

  • “Cupping therapy, also known as myofascial decompression, can be traced back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures,” said John E. Ebinger, PT, a board-certified sports medicine specialist at Banner Physical Therapy in Phoenix, AZ. “It’s been described as one of the oldest treatment interventions, and its history dates back to 1500 B.C.”

  • Small cups create a suction effect against your skin, which breaks open tiny blood vessels beneath its surface. Your body replenishes blood to the cupped areas to prompt a healing response. According to TCM, this helps unblock your qi and restore the flow of energy throughout your body.

  • It’s used to help with things like chronic pain, inflammation and other conditions

  • *Pain relief

    *Musculoskeletal injuries

  • Even if considered safe, cupping isn’t for everyone. It is not recommended for people with liver, kidney or heart failure or those with a pacemaker. As well, it can’t be used if you have hemophilia, anemia or similar blood disorders, heart disease or are on blood thinners.

    “If pregnant, it has been advised to avoid cupping to the abdomen and lower back,” Ebinger said.

    If there is suspicion of an infection or an open wound, cupping shouldn’t be performed.