I am sure that you have noticed on more than one occasion athletes who have circular markings on their backs and shoulders. It is not that they have burned their skin to look like a Dalmatian, but that they have undergone the practice of cupping.
Michael Phelps has been one of the athletes who has used this type of treatment the most and that is why he became very popular as of 2016.
The round marks are produced by suction cups that are placed on the skin and act as a pacifier. And yes, as you can imagine, cupping is a chinese origin therapy, as is acupuncture.
Suction cups are a kind of cups tradicionales They are usually made of glass, bamboo, ceramic or clay. Although it is true that the suction cups more modern They can be made of plastic with a suction pump, with a rubber or magnetic bulb.
And how is this vacuum achieved to suck the skin and muscle? There are numerous ways: if done with traditional cupping, heat will be used to create the vacuum. In case of using the modern ones, we will find that a system that performs almost automatic suction is installed.
What cupping techniques exist?
- Massage. Before placing the suction cup on the skin, an oil is applied to the area to be treated so that it can be glided over the body while maintaining a vacuum. This technique is used to promote lymphatic and blood drainage, as well as to eliminate toxins.
- Fixed and dry suction cup. It is performed just the opposite of massage, and is used to treat muscle contractures and blockages that cause pain or discomfort.
- Quick application and removal of the suction cup. As you will understand, the suction cup is placed and removed quickly. It is only performed on the back to affect the lungs, and thus relieve lung congestion.
- cupping bleeding. If you are sensitive to seeing blood, do not look for images on this. Here the skin is punctured and the suction cup is positioned on top so that the suction causes slight bleeding. It is used for anti-inflammatory purposes to reduce the tension of the inflamed part.
What are its benefits?
There are many advantages of cupping in our body. It is perfect to do circulate the blood with more ease, it also favors removing blood that remains stagnant and does not circulate. Have analgesic effects and help eliminate fluid retention, which also improves weight loss.
Although like almost any treatment, there are also contraindications such as that it cannot be applied to patients with wounds, fractures, fever or allergies.