Cupping is a practice used in traditional medicine throughout several parts of the world. It involves creating suction on the skin with a glass cup. This is done through creating negative pressure by removing the oxygen in the cup with a suction device. When your therapist glides the cups across your skin, your parasympathetic nervous system engages. This system is responsible for slowing your heart rate, assisting in digestion, and increasing intestinal and gland activity. By activating this system through cupping, the treatment promotes deep relaxation to move through your entire body. There are several benefits to cupping treatments. These benefits are listed below:

• Increases circulation.

The suction from the cups increases circulation to the area where the cups are placed. The additional blood flow to that area can help relieve muscle tension and promote cell repair. Increasing circulation with cupping also helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

• Encourages tissues to release toxins.

While you do have natural remedies to remove toxins from your blood, cupping gives your body additional assistance in performing these tasks. Focused blood flow helps your body by flushing built-up toxins through the lymphatic system.

• Can reduce stretch marks and scars.

Increased blood flow enables your body to dispose of toxins, restores lymphatic circulation, and helps remove edema (excess fluid). This can help reduce the appearance of scarring. Studies have shown positive effects of cupping is found on stretch marks and scars even in areas that are far from the area where the cups are applied.

• Can improve varicose and spider veins.

Varicose veins are the more noticeable blue veins just under your skin and are usually seen on your legs and feet. These become more prominent when the valves inside the veins aren’t working as efficiently as they should. Essentially, the valves are not pushing blood back from the muscle back to the heart as well as they should be. As this happens, the blood congests and the veins begin to twist and bulge, making them more noticeable. Cupping helps by bringing fresh blood flow and oxygen to these areas. After your first session, the results can be noticeable. For the most effective treatment of this, multiple sessions are beneficial.

• Can clear congestion and help treat asthma.

Congestion caused by a cold, bronchitis, or even asthma can be treated with cupping. The suction from cups breaks up and expels congestion. It also brings oxygen rich blood and lymph toward your lungs and your other respiratory muscles. Cups are usually placed on your back, but may be placed on your chest as well. Your therapist may leave the cups in place, or may gently glide them in an upward motion to facilitate the movement of the lymph fluid. Facial cupping can also be used to help unblock your sinuses.

• Can clear colon blockages and aid digestion.

Cupping helps to engage the parasympathetic nervous system, which increases blood flow to the digestive tract. Gentle cupping over the abdomen also stimulates the insides of your digestive organs. It aids in peristalsis (contractions that push food through your digestive tract), helps clear colon blockages, encourages blood and body-fluid to move through your organs, and helps relieve indigestion.