Myofascial Cupping Versus Traditional Cupping

Differences between myofascial cupping and traditional cupping

Traditional cupping therapies use vacuumed cups combining with compression and negative pressure applied to the area being treated.

Myofascial cupping has its roots in traditional cupping methods with some scientifically-informed changes. Myofascial cupping target skeletal-muscle immobility and pain by treating contracted muscles, encouraging blood and lymphatic flow, and prompting the muscle stretch reflex.

There are a few differences between myofascial cupping and traditional cupping. Traditional cupping parks the cups along the meridian pathways following a strategic placement, while myofascial cupping directly treats the affected and targeted tissues. Furthermore, myofascial cupping leaves little marks, however traditional forms leave large round bruises marks.

How cupping therapy work

Even through there haven’t been many scientific studies on cupping, some scientific reports that it might help with acne, herpes zoster, and pain management. The suction created by cupping may help improve blood flow to a local muscle regions and relieve pain.

As cups are strategically placed on meridian lines hence removing the energy blockages acting as barriers to the flow of qi or body energy.

What to avoid after cupping

  • Keep yourself hydrated by drinking more water. Provide the lymphatic system extra fluids to flush the toxins out of the body.
  • Avoid showering immediately after a cupping session.
  • Keep the treated areas covered and warm.
  • No alcohol after a cupping session.
  • Some may experience fatigued or experience flu-like symptoms, but this is normal due to the processing and expelling of toxins released during a cupping session.

How it helps to combine the cupping and manual massage therapy

While massage releases muscle tension using direct pressure, cupping creates negative pressure to lift the muscle fibers. Therefore, the combination of both massage therapy and cupping can trigger better myofascial release as the skin, muscle and blood vessels are stretched and massaged before being relaxed back into their normal position.

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