Explore the benefits of cupping and experience a professional cupping therapy right in the comfort of your home
An ancient technique, cupping therapy is a form of alternative medicine commonly deployed by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners. You may have heard of cupping and even notice the red circular marks on people who have received cupping therapy. So what exactly is cupping and how does it help with training recovery?
The Procedure of Cupping Therapy
Cupping, synonymous to its name, utilises multiple cups for its suction therapy. The prevalent fire cupping requires glass cups and flammable substances such as alcohol or herbs. During therapy, the flammable substances are lighted up within the cup to create heat.
When the fire has extinguished, the cup is then placed directly on the skin to generate a vacuum. This suction will then cause the skin to rise and redden as the blood vessels underneath expand. In contrast to the daunting use of heat, the sensation of fire cupping is usually mild and warm.
There are also other types of cupping therapy such as dry cupping whereby the air inside the cups is suctioned out without the use of fire. Meanwhile, flash cupping involves the quick application and removal of cups to stimulate rapid circulation across a broader surface. Wet cupping, in distinction, is a two-step process. After a mild suction, a small scalpel is used to make a tiny cut on the epidermis, and a second suction completes the therapy by drawing out the blood to remove waste.
It is common to have red and round marks after the therapy. These painless cupping marks are the results from ruptured blood vessels beneath the skin and the discolourations usually fade after a week.
Cupping for Post Workout and Training Recovery
Cupping has indeed seen an increase in popularity with athletes after Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps donned the prominent cupping marks during the 2016 competition. While there are numerous cupping benefits for all, athletes may stand to maximise the most out of it.
Cupping therapy is highly regarded as part of an athlete’s recovery process as it helps to reduce muscle pain and tightness within a short period of time. The improved blood circulation from cupping also promotes blood flow and stimulates the body’s healing process, which is especially beneficial for injury recovery. As cupping helps with reducing inflammation in the body, athletes can expect an improvement in their overall immunity.
Advanced Heat and Vibration Cupping with TheraCup Smart Cupping Device
For athletes who are pressed for time and looking for a convenient way of having cupping therapy, the TheraCup Smart Cupping Device from Therabody is perfect for you.
Combining traditional cupping with the cutting-edge ThermaVibration™ Technology, TheraCup incorporates suction, heat, and vibration to provide a holistic therapy. TheraCup aims to create an easy-to-use digitised cupping experience to optimise localised relief and recovery.
"The effects are quite interesting compared to what I was used to as TheraCup has three functions - and the vibration effect in particular is not something I have been exposed to previously but it does improve the comfort of the overall cupping experience."
Lim Yao Xiang, former Team Singapore swimmer and Water Polo athlete and co-founder of Singapore fitness studio Grit Yard, added, "Cupping helps recovery by pulling toxins up to the surface and through time, they are removed by improved blood circulation."
TheraCup Smart Cupping device is equipped with built-in safety sensors and on-device controls that provide easy access to professional-level cupping therapy for all.
TheraCup Smart Cupping device is available on WeAreReady.sg website for delivery in Singapore.
General Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Cupping encourages blood circulation as blood flow is increased in areas where the cups are placed. This helps to relieve muscle aches and tension while promoting cellular repair. At the same time, the swollen tissues within the cup draw toxins away from the body and the impurities are subsequently removed from the epidermis.
A non-invasive therapy, cupping also helps to reduce inflammation within the tissues and is often used for relaxation and pain relief. According to the British Cupping Society, cupping is believed to help with arthritis, high blood pressure, and blood disorders.
Disclaimer for Cupping Therapy
However, it is pertinent to note that cupping therapy is still an alternative medicine. For children, pregnant women, and people with skin conditions, cupping may pose a risk. As with all treatments, it is recommended to consult a medical professional prior to receiving cupping therapy.
Purchase your TheraCup Smart Cupping Device via WeAreReady.sg .