Cupping in the Rio Olympics

Millions of Americans watched Michael Phelps in the Rio Olympics and wondered about those purple, circular bruises on his shoulders. Most people now know that these marks are from cupping therapy. It helps treat muscle pain and injuries in the muscles. It looks painful and disturbing to some but for those that receive the treatment, it is quite enjoyable. Cupping is often described as a reverse massage.  Contrary to the lengthening and stretching of the muscles during a deep tissue massage, cupping focuses more on lifting the muscles to create space between the fascia and warming up the tissue. This warming and lifting action allows blood to flow more freely and circulate among the muscles thereby reduces injury and pain and promoting healing where there is injury or damage in the muscle cells.

photo courtesy: Bob Wong @artofacupuncture

What is Fire Cupping?

Fire cupping is an Eastern Medicine therapy in which a glass cup is attached to the skin surface to accumulate blood in a specific area through suction. This negative pressure is caused by briefly placing a flame inside the cup before quickly pressing the cup onto the muscle. This quick flash of fire is enough to change the air pressure inside the cup and create a strong suction against the surface of the skin but not long lasting enough for the patient to feel too much heat. The blood pools to the surface causing the purple and red colors.

When the cups are removed, in healthy tissues, the blood flows back through the rest of the muscle and the color dissipates and returns to the normal skin color. When there is some stagnation, blockage of blood flow, or injury to the muscles, the blood remains in the area and causes marks on the skin, called sha. These sha rings are not bruises. Fire cupping leaves marks because the suction causes the capillaries to break under the skin, but unlike a bruise, there is no trauma to the tissues or nerve endings. Essentially, cupping pulls out the toxins and congested blood that is left in the muscles and provides room for fresh, nutrient-rich blood to enter the muscles.

Schedule your appointment for fire cupping therapy in Austin with Rachel Snyder, LAc by clicking here.