Cupping is used to release muscle tension and adhesions in the fascia as well as encourage blood flow to the area. It can speed recovery after heavy training or soft tissue injury. It also has been shown to help balance the nervous system, activate the immune system, and stimulate collagen production.
The process of cupping involves creating a vacuum within a cup on the body. This causes the soft tissue on the surface to be pulled into the cup. It is like a reverse massage; instead of pushing through the tissue, cupping is pulling through the tissue.
There are generally three types of cupping we use in the clinic: