Myofascial Cupping Technique
Myofascial cupping is a soft tissue technique designed to loosen, lift and separate our layers of tissue. Firm silicone cups are used to create a negative suction effect which also draws blood flow to the surface and through areas of tightness and tension in our body.
This suction and negative pressure effect is used to encourage blood flow, loosen muscles and stretch the myofascial tissue. The myofascial tissue system is a network of connective tissue throughout our body that connects the skin to muscles, muscles to bones, and surrounds our organs. The distraction and suction of cupping techniques can help to stretch and release this connective tissue. It is commonly used to relieve pain, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines, radiating pain, and inflammation in our bodies.
The cups may be made of glass, bamboo, earthenware, or silicone. The technique dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. One of the oldest medical textbooks, the Ebers Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians used cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C. for internal disease and structural problems.
The practice of cupping involves distracting and gliding along the tissue. The cups aim to release tension over muscle trigger points, encourage circulation, and reduce inflammation. It has been shown to help boost immune function by moving blood and lymphatic fluid throughout the body. Cupping works by stimulating inhibitory neural pathways, altering pain thresholds, promoting circulation, relieving swelling and increasing tissue temperature.
Poor circulation can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body. This buildup can be the root cause of many different health conditions. Cupping can help to reduce stagnation in our body. This increase in blood flow to an area also brings nutrients, platelets, white blood cells and fibroblasts to aid in healing. This technique helps to heal knots and adhesions, so can be great for scar tissue or a stubborn injury that just isn’t getting better. This is why many athletes have recently turned to this therapy to help their bodies recover faster from intense workout sessions. It has been shown that cupping helps to move stagnant lactic acid and metabolic waste from the tissue and enables normal lymphatic flow. Scenarios where cupping may be contra-indicated would be over an acute musculoskeletal injury, over a deep vein thrombosis, infectious disease or malignant tumors.
If you are interested in trying cupping or have an injury that is just not getting better, the therapists at Bragg Creek Physiotherapy would love to help you out!
Jennifer Gordon (BSc.PT, AFCI, GunnIMS)
Physiotherapist
Bragg Creek Physiotherapy
www.braggcreekphysio.com
