Many of our clients love, and I mean LOVE, cupping.
We use cupping in conjunction with acupuncture to help release muscle spasming and tightness on the back, neck, shoulder, chest, hamstrings and IT bands. Our clients report that it feels like a deep tissue massage, but in reverse. The skin is pulled up away from the muscle to move circulation through the tight muscle tissue. It releases the fascia around the muscle.
When most people think of cupping, they think of Michael Phelps getting cupped during the Summer 2016 Olympics. Michael Phelps was covered with purple, circular bruises from cupping. We like to call this “cupping extreme”. Most patients may only get a pink or light red mark from cupping. Only in extreme cases, especially when there is a lot of pain and inflammation, would the cups leave a purple mark.
While cupping can be helpful on its own, it is best used in conjunction with acupuncture. We have found that this provides the most effective, long lasting results. Acupuncture can release the muscle tissue, while cupping can release the fascia around the muscle. Using this two-modality approach, we can effectively release those tight knots that you have been dealing with in your back and shoulders.
Acupuncture and cupping can be very different than a massage. After you have a massage, you often feel relaxed and less tense for 24 – 48 hours. After acupuncture and cupping, you may get off the table and think, “That was interesting. I feel a little bit better, but mostly the same.” Over the course of the next week, you should find that you move a little bit easier, feel less pain and feel less tense. The results are felt a couple of days after the treatment but tend to be more long lasting than massage.
Athletes love it! Office workers with tight necks and backs love it! Pregnant moms with tight hips and IT bands love it! Should you try it? Ask us at your next acupuncture visit. We would love to incorporate cupping into your treatment! See you soon!
Nicole Stern
Dedham Acupuncturist
781-686-2395
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