Cupping is an ancient form of Traditional Chinese medicine.

During cupping therapy, a trained therapist places special cups on the skin to create suction. The purpose is to help treat pain, increase blood flow, and increase well-being.

This cup therapy massage became popular in the media during the Rio Olympics. Prominent athletes including swimmer Michael Phelps, proudly displayed the round blotches which are sometimes left after a session. Book cupping in Newcastle to discover how this ancient technique could help you manage pain today.

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cupping in Newcastle

What is cupping therapy?

Cupping therapy is one of the oldest techniques to relieve pain and release toxins from the body.¹ Special cups are placed on your skin to create a suction effect that draws your skin upward and boosts blood flow to the target area.

Ultimately, this is believed to draw toxins from surrounding tissues and organs and bring them to the surface for removal. It may also soothe muscle tension, which in turn can increase overall circulation and encourage cellular repair.

Cupping has been used in medical care for millennia, with roots in ancient China and Egypt dating as far back as 1550 BC. Today, people usually undergo cupping therapy in conjunction with other therapies for pain relief and musculoskeletal injuries, such as strains, sprains and inflammation.

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Cupping in Newcastle

How does cupping work?

Cupping therapy involves creating a partial vacuum inside a glass cup and placing it onto the skin over tight or damaged muscles. The partial vacuum inside the cup draws the skin and surrounding tissue into the cup.

The aim is to stimulate muscles and increase blood flow while relieving pain. Cupping therapy can also be applied to Trigger Points.

Removing some of the air from the cup creates a negative pressure suction over the active Trigger Points. This breaks up the adhesions painlessly and without discomfort, which is often associated with traditional Trigger Point therapy.

If cupping therapy is something you are interested in, please speak with your Chiropractor at your next appointment or book a session.

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Cupping in Newcastle

Our cupping therapy team

Meet our myofascial cupping therapists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about your next visit? We have you covered!

  • What is cupping therapy good for?

    Cupping therapy is favoured for its versatility in helping to manage muscle pain, reduce inflammation, improve circulation and promote overall well-being.

    As a result, it’s often incorporated into therapy plans to ease symptoms of various health conditions, including:

    • Back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain and knee pain
    • Blood-related disorders like anaemia and haemophilia
    • Rheumatic diseases, including arthritis and fibromyalgia
    • Skin conditions, such as eczema
    • Gynaecological issues
    • Hypertension
    • Asthma and other breathing problems
    • Migraines
    • Anxiety and depression

    As with all therapies, it’s essential to undergo cupping therapy with a trained and licensed professional.

  • What are the benefits of cup therapy?

    A 2018 review² suggests that the benefits of cupping therapy include:

    • Promote circulation;
    • Increase local anaerobic metabolism;
    • Soothe inflammation; and
    • Improve cellular immunity.

    That said, it’s probably best known for its pain relief effects³, which is why it’s most often used to complement an existing treatment plan.

  • How often can I do cupping therapy?

    You can do cupping therapy as often as required within reason, with most of our clients undergoing a session once a week. However, you may need to do it more often – about two to three times a week – for pain relief.

    At Chiropractic Plus, we will take the time to understand your physical needs and goals before preparing a personalised and holistic therapy plan.

  • What should I do before cupping therapy?

    To get ready for cupping therapy, follow the below steps:

    • Stay hydrated. This will help your lymphatic system to clear away toxins more effectively after cupping.
    • Please do not shave or exfoliate the affected area within two days of your session, as this will make your skin extra sensitive.
    • Avoid sun exposure and heal any sunburn. Cupping therapy can make your skin feel warmer than usual, which is not recommended for burned skin.

    If you have any more questions about preparing for your appointment, please don’t hesitate to call our friendly team today.

  • What does cupping therapy feel like?

    Cupping is not painful. That said, you may feel some skin tightness during the session. After cupping therapy, it is normal to experience slight tenderness in the affected area, which will soon subside.

  • How long do you keep cups on for cupping therapy?

    Cups are typically left in place for five to ten minutes, depending on the exact requirements and goals of therapy. Your therapist will let you know how long the cups will remain on your skin before the session begins.

  • Do cupping therapy marks go away?

    Yes. Cupping therapy marks typically fade within one to two weeks of your session.

  • Can you shower after cupping therapy?

    To maximise the benefit of cupping therapy and reduce the risk of skin irritation, we recommend waiting at least three hours before you shower. However, if you can wait longer, that’s even better.

  • What should I expect after cupping therapy?

    After cupping therapy, you can expect to see round, red marks that will gradually fade over the next one to two weeks.

    While these marks resemble bruises, they are actually created by the suction force breaking tiny capillaries beneath your skin. Rest assured this is a normal reaction and is nothing to worry about.

  • How much does cupping therapy cost?

    The cost of cupping therapy depends on your needs and goals. At Chiropractic Plus, we will let you know the cost of your recommended therapy plan after your initial consultation.

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.
  2. Tamer S. Aboushanab, Saud AlSanad, Cupping Therapy: An Overview. Modern Medicine Perspective, Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 2018, 11(3): 83-87, ISSN 2005-2901, doi: 10.1016/j.jams.2018.02.001.
  3. Kim JI, Lee MS, Lee DH, Boddy K, Ernst E. Cupping for treating pain: a systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011, doi: 10.1093/ecam/nep035. Epub 2011 Jun 23. PMID: 19423657; PMCID: PMC3136528.

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