Remember seeing Michael Phelps with all those funny marks on his back during the 2016 Summer Olympics? He was receiving cupping therapy.
So what is cupping therapy? How does it work? That’s what we’re going to cover in today’s post! If you are searching for the best fitness club in Raleigh NC, with challenging WODs, drop in to CrossFit Invoke. We even offer free classes for beginners! Call today to learn more!
What’s Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is a form of alternative medicine that dates back to ancient Chinese and Middle Eastern culture, as early as 1550 B.C. Cups made from glass, bamboo, silicone, or earthenware are placed on certain parts of the skin to create suction. Cupping therapy practitioners believe that the suction from the cups increases blood flow and promotes natural healing of many ailments, including sore muscles and inflammation.
Cupping Therapy Treatment Basics
The two different types of methods are dry and wet cupping. In both instances, the therapist will set fire to alcohol, herbs, or paper in each cup. As the fire goes out, the cup is placed upside down on your skin. As the air inside the cup starts to cool off, a vacuum is created. This vacuum will make the skin rise and bulge. It will also redden because your blood vessels are expanding. Your therapist will generally leave the cups in place for about 3 minutes. Some cups can also be attached to a pump to create the suction instead of using fire.
Wet cupping is a little different. This technique uses the same steps as above, however after the cups are removed, the therapist uses a small scalpel to make tiny, light cuts on your skin where the cups were. Then they will cup you a second time in the same spot to draw out extremely small quantities of blood.
Does Cupping Therapy Really Work?
To be honest, there’s just not enough research for a definite answer. It’s really up to you to decide if it works or not. Many people, including Michigan State University’s gymnastics team, have seen great results with cupping therapy. You can read about it in this article.
CrossFit Invoke | Top Fitness Club in Raleigh with Challenging WODs
If you’re looking for the best fitness club in Raleigh with challenging WODs, drop by CrossFit Invoke today. We have the best fitness trainers in the area to help you maximize your time and crush your goals. Invoke will get you laser focused in on your health goals so you can smash them with confidence. We even offer free classes so you can try us out before you commit to a membership.
We’re the most experienced CrossFit gym in Raleigh, including being a member of the CrossFit HQ Seminar Staff team. Invoke’s founders have operated CrossFit seminars all over the south for over five years. All of our coaches and trainers hold a Level 1 Seminar Certificate, and many other additional specialty certifications in CrossFit as well as other diverse fitness backgrounds.
As you can see, we’re committed to YOU and your health. So call us today to get started with your free class.
