Background:
The negative pressure helps to decompress the area by lifting the skin and the layer of tissue underneath the skin, the fascia, up into the cup. This creates space for the underlying tight muscle to lay down and relax. Cupping also helps bring blood flow to the area in need.
Physical therapists may sometimes use cupping as a technique of tissue distraction release. The cups are glided across different areas to lift and separate tissue. It enhances the release of the interfaces between the neural tissues, fascia, skin, ligaments, muscles and tendons.
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.
Cupping is used to treat pain, ease scar tissue deep within muscles and connective tissues, and reduce swelling and muscle knots. Also, like many complementary treatments, cupping is supposed to minimize circulating toxins by drawing them into the skin where they are more easily removed.
Wet cupping
Small punctures are made in specific areas of the body using a specialized lancet needling device followed by stationary cupping on the point. This will allow the stagnated blood to come out through the lacerated skin and collect in the cups.
Eases inflammation. Tired of inflammation? Cupping helps your body reduce inflammation through suction.
Myofascial cupping is a soft tissue therapy that involves the application of decompressed cups on the skin, creating a vacuum effect that lifts up underlying tissues such as the fascia ( connective tissue ) and muscles, blood and other fluid, close to the surface of the skin.
Cupping can cause side effects such as persistent skin discoloration, scars, burns, and infections, and may worsen eczema or psoriasis. Rare cases of severe side effects have been reported, such as bleeding inside the skull (after cupping on the scalp) and anemia from blood loss (after repeated wet cupping).
Cups not only the facilitate the lymphatic clearing of localized tissue but also enhance the natural drainage process (flushing of lactic acid, heat, and old blood).
You'll use a foam roller or roller massager to gently apply pressure to your fascial tissues. Some studies have shown using a foam roller for self-myofascial release has helped increase joint range of motion. You should ask your healthcare provider before trying any self-treatment.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Although high-quality research about the effectiveness of cupping is not readily available, many benefits include: Scar tissue release. Reduce trigger points, Improving lymph and blood circulation.
Fascia holds on to harmful toxins if it's not hydrated, and sticky, sludge-like fascia fluid is acidic and toxic and can quickly become a migration point for cancer cells.
Time element: Myofascial Stretches are held continuously for at least 90-120 seconds. This is how long it takes for the fascia to begin to let go. Shorter stretches do not affect the collagenous aspect of the fascia (connective tissue) and therefore lead to only temporary, partial results.
When the fascia – or connective tissues in your body – get restricted, it leads to exhaustion, inflammation, chronic pain, and improper functioning of the immune system. But what many people don't realize is that fascia restriction can happen in response to emotional trauma as well as physical injury or illness.
After cupping, the affected skin is more fragile. Shower or bath may result in skin damage and inflammation. If you take a cold shower, the coldness will enter the body because cupping opens the skin pores. Therefore, don't take a shower or bath right after cupping.
Also, cupping of any kind is contraindicated for people who have suffered a cardiac arrest in the last 6 months. Wet cupping is contraindicated for people suffering from haemophilia or extreme anaemia. Avoid Wet cupping over the large veins such as varicose veins.
Differences and Similarities
The main difference between massage and myofascial release is the mode of administration. While massage addresses general areas of the body, myofascial release focuses on specific areas. Unlike massage, myofascial release does not use oils or libricants.
Again, massage is about soothing sore and tight muscles whereas myofascial release targets the troubles in your tissues that lead to sore and tight muscles. It's like changing your focus from the unevenly worn tires on your car, to the misalignment that keeps causing the uneven wearing.
Cupping, unlike massage, uses negative pressure to release rigid tissues, drain excess fluids, loosen adhesions, and bring blood flow to skin and muscles. Cupping also releases lactic acid and stagnation that's deep in the muscle layer. It works to increase circulation and decrease inflammation deep in the tissues.
Consequently, there is an increase in the circulation of blood to the ill area. This allows the immediate elimination of trapped toxins in the tissues, and, hence, the patient feels better. Cupping has been found to improve subcutaneous blood flow and to stimulate the autonomic nervous system.
Suction from cupping draws fluid into the treated area. This suction force expands and breaks open tiny blood vessels (capillaries) under your skin. Your body replenishes the cupped areas with healthier blood flow and stimulates proper and normal healing at a cellular level.