Myofascial cupping is not a new type of treatment, in fact, it has been used for thousands of years by Chinese, Russians, Egyptians, and others. It was once included in Physical Therapy and Medical practices.  It was recently brought back to use after Michael Phelps competed in the 2016 Olympics.  He was shown with the red circles on his body, and his comments about how much it helped his recovery brought cupping back to the attention of many medical and alternative health professionals.

Myofascial cupping is a powerful and therapeutic application of cups in which suction is used to increase blood flow to assist in the healing of muscles.  Today massage therapists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and some medical doctors use myofascial cupping for a multitude of interventions.   

Here is a list of some of those interventions: 

• reduce swelling and edema
• increase blood flow ( to aid in healing)
• desensitize areas of pain and nerve irritability
• release the body's natural pain killers such as endorphins
• reduce muscle spasms
• deactivate trigger points
• break up scar tissue
• reduce tightness in muscles and muscle stiffness

Mary Hahn, LMT, NMT