Cupping – Jennifer Aniston has been at it for years, and Olympic athletes swear it, but what’s involved? The ancient technique, derived from traditional Chinese and Egyptian medicine brings blood to the surface of the skin to relieve muscular pain. Practiced alongside acupuncture, and popular amongst celebs, we’re getting to grips with exactly what’s involved (because those circular back patches have left us curious for too long). Everything you need to know about cupping, right here.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 What is it?
Looks like a science experiment, but it’s a darn good healing method. How’s it done? A lit match is placed inside a plastic, rubber, or glass cup to create a vacuum; this is then quickly shifted to the surface of the skin where it’s left for up to 20 minutes. The suction pulls skin from the body (hence those red spots that linger afterward), to promote blood flow and prevent build up of lactic acid in your muscles – that’s why athletes love it, FYI.
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2 What are the benefits?
There’s a number of perks to trying the treatment, from reducing fatigue to decreasing joint pain. The increased blood flow encourages the body’s natural inflammatory response, that gets the healing process going. Removing toxins from the body can speed up the recovery of muscle and soft tissue following injury or strain. For a number of athletes of 2016’s Rio Olympics, this was their go-to treatment for pain relief.
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3 So, is it just for the back?
Though the back is the most common area for cupping treatments (just search the hashtag on Instagram for evidence), the treatment can be administered just about anywhere. Studies have shown that cupping can alleviate chronic pain all over the body, from the neck to the knees. In fact, practitioners suggest that the non-invasive therapy can even help to relieve skin conditions like eczema, and diminish cellulite (if you’re into that kinda’ thing).
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4 Is it painful?
A cupping session will usually last around 10-15 minutes, though the results may be visible a little longer (those red patches stick around for two weeks or so, right Gwyneth?). You’ll head into the salon just like a massage, lying on a treatment table with the affected area exposed and ready for the cup application. Though the process doesn't ‘hurt’, you may find it a little uncomfortable – ‘unique’ let’s say – but, if the reviews are true, the results outweigh it.
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FAQs
What is cupping therapy and how does it work?
Cupping therapy uses a vacuum created in a plastic, rubber, or glass cup to draw skin upwards, promoting blood flow and helping muscles heal. A lit match is briefly placed inside the cup, then the cup is set on your skin for up to 20 minutes. This process can relieve muscular pain and prevent lactic acid buildup.
What are the main benefits of cupping therapy?
Cupping can help reduce fatigue and joint pain by increasing blood flow and triggering the body’s natural healing response. It also supports recovery after muscle injuries or strain and helps remove toxins from your body. Many athletes use cupping for quick pain relief.
Is cupping therapy painful or uncomfortable?
Cupping is usually not described as painful, but you might find it a bit uncomfortable or experience a unique sensation. A typical session lasts around 10-15 minutes, and red spots may linger for up to two weeks. Most people feel the positive results outweigh any temporary discomfort.
Can you get cupping therapy on other areas besides your back?
Cupping is most often done on the back, but it can be used on many other body areas. People use cupping to relieve chronic pain from the neck to the knees. Some practitioners also suggest potential benefits for skin conditions like eczema or reducing cellulite.
How long does a cupping session and its effects last?
A cupping session typically lasts 10-15 minutes, but visible red spots might remain for about two weeks. The results of the treatment, such as reduced pain or improved muscle recovery, can be felt for several days. The procedure is done while you lie on a treatment table, similar to a massage.