Cupping Speeds Healing
Cupping was in the news when US swimmer Michael Phelps and many other athletes were spotted with the telltale circles on their backs during the 2016 Olympic Games.
These sports stars rely on the Chinese medicine technique of cupping to release muscular tension and enhance their athletic performance.
Cupping isn’t new
Even though athletes and Hollywood stars (such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston) seem to have discovered cupping fairly recently, it’s been a healing art for likely 2,000 years.
My patients enjoy the benefits of cupping, which I describe as a reverse massage. Rather than pressing on the muscles, cupping gently pulls up on the tissues to increase circulation and help speed healing. The light suction created by cupping also releases myofacial tension and relieves muscular pain.
In addition to aiding in the recovery of musculoskeletal injuries, cupping may be used in the treatment of asthma, or in early stages of a cold or the flu.
Cupping is available as an add-on treatment to your acupuncture session. You may select it when you book your appointment or contact me if you’re unsure if it’s right for your situation.
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Acupuncture treatments with Katharine have been very helpful, especially combined with the Chinese herbal medicine regime she created for me. I’m now sleeping better, which is helping in many areas of my life.
I’m Katharine Chaney, licensed acupuncturist and owner of Pure Joy Acupuncture in San Rafael.
For more than a decade, I’ve been providing acupuncture and massage services to patients in Marin County.
