Cupping

What is it?

Cupping therapy has become popular among celebrities, professional athletes, and weekend warriors, but what exactly is cupping? Cupping or myofascial decompression is a technique that uses plastic or glass cups to create a negative pressure which lifts the layers of tissue including skin, myofascial tissue, and muscle fibers. Cupping can be completed in a static or dynamic fashion. During static cupping the cups are placed and left in one spot for approximately 5 minutes. Dynamic cupping includes sliding the cup across the soft tissue for further release and improved lymphatic flow. Cupping can also be completed with dynamic movement and/or strengthening exercises for neuromuscular re-education.