Myofascial Cupping
A fantastic soft tissue tool to promote recovery and healing.
Myofascial cupping has been around for thousands of years. This soft tissue therapy decompresses the nerves that innervate the skin. It also promotes blood flow and lymphatic drainage.
We commonly use cupping on injured areas of the body or areas that have been in chronic pain.
It's a non-invasve modality that changes sensory perception. Often times, this technique gives the brain a break from the pain signals being sent while promoting new blood flow.
Physiology
Blood is our fuel source.
Blood carries nutrients to injured areas. When the body/nervous system registers an injury, blood transports inflammatory markers that start the cascade of healing events. We want to:
- Keep as much new blood in the area as possible
- Down regulate the nervous system by decreasing pain
- Bring the old blood to the surface for lymphatic drainage of waste
Cupping leaves big bruises, so if you have a blood disorder make sure to consult with your health care practitioner.
