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What is cupping? And how does it help with muscle pain?


In China, the cupping procedure has been practiced for over 3000 years. It is a form of traditional Chinese medicine and is used to treat many conditions including problems with the lungs, stomach, back muscle strain as well as skin disorders like acne or psoriasis. Cupping was first recorded in ancient Greece when Hippocrates recommended it for certain medical ailments. And today more than 2000 studies support its use in effectively treating various chronic pain syndromes such as neck tension headaches (including migraine), low-back pain, fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome.



Some of the benefits of cupping include:


  • Increased blood flow to promote healing and wellness.

  • Relief from pain, muscle tension, soreness and stiffness by releasing pressure points in areas such as hips, thighs, legs or arms.

  • Increased circulation which can alleviate headaches (due to poor oxygenation), indigestion, cellulite and varicose veins.

  • Helps to increase the elasticity of skin by moving stagnant blood in areas such as your face or hands

  • Promotes balance and harmony within one's internal system


The primary benefit is said to come from reduced muscle tension as well as increased blood flow which can help relieve pain because more oxygen will get delivered to those areas needing healing. It also helps improve lymphatic drainage too!



How it can cupping be used for certain conditions:


Back pain, neck pain, headache (due to poor oxygenation), indigestion, cellulite, and varicose veins are all effective with Chinese cupping treatments. It is also helpful in treating high/low blood pressure when done on a regular basis. By increasing circulation through this ancient technique, people who have issues with their respiratory systems can benefit from its use too!


How it is cupping done:


It starts with a cupping therapist putting cups on your back, side, or neck and then using fire to warm them up which makes suction happen. Then they will move around from one area to another until you are fully treated. The benefits may vary based on what is going on in that specific area of the body, but many people report feeling better after their session!


The treatment typically lasts about an hour long.


How long has this cupping been practised?:


Chinese Cupping has been used for thousands of years in China and other countries to help with respiratory issues, sore muscles, or joints.




What should I prepare before my session with Phoenix Massage Galway?


You want to drink plenty of water throughout the day and make sure you are well hydrated, not hungry, and have a good night's sleep. You should wear clothes that are easy to remove or slip on and off without any trouble as well!




What to do after cupping:

  • Drink a lot of water. Water helps flush your lymphatic system of the cellular waste that cupping helps release from your tissues.

  • Stay warm. Try to cover the area(s) where you received cupping.

  • Rest. You may feel more tired than normal or experience flu-like symptoms after cupping (headache or general body aches). This is a temporary reaction by your immune system to the cellular waste that cupping helps release.

Book your cupping massage online with Phoenix Massage here








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