I am sure that you have started seeing lots of well known people starting to walk around with large circles all over their back, almost as if they had been attacked by a giant octopus. We saw Michael Phelps bring recognition to the use of cupping during the 2016 Olympics.
So what is cupping you ask?
Cupping is an alternative medicine technique where a therapist puts special cups on your skin and pressure is reduced, by either using change in heat or by suctioning out air, to create suction. The skin and superficial muscle layer are drawn into and held in the cup. In some cases, the cup may be moved while the suction on the skin is active, causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle. Cupping commonly used in Eastern Chinese Medicine, and can be applied to certain acupuncture points, as well as regions of the body that are affected by pain. Traditional cupping uses flame with cups. Heating of the cups was a method used to obtain suction: the hot air in the cups has a low density, and as the cups cool with the opening sealed by the skin, the pressure within the cups declines, sucking the skin into it.
How is The Myofascial Cupping Techniqueâ„¢ different?
The Myofascial Cupping Techniqueâ„¢ is a modified version of the ancient Eastern-style cupping with major differences that include targeting the musculoskeletal system rather than meridian systems used by traditional Chinese practitioners and using the cups in a moving sequence, rather than stationery.
By creating a Negative Pressure above the surface of the tissues, you decrease the atmospheric pressure allowing the tissue to be lifted and thus causing changes in pressure beneath the skin including the muscle and surrounding fascia. Importantly, the gliding technique creates a traditional Myofascial Release technique (push/compression effect) using the leading rim of the cup, which is then followed by a ‘lifting’ negative pressure over the same area (pull effect). As the cup leaves the area you once again create a push/compression effect.
What are the benefits of Myofascial Cupping Technique?
Some of the benefits include:
- Prevent scarring after an injury
- Assist in the reduction of localized inflammation
- Aids in release of Myofascial Adhesions
- Helps reduce knots or trigger points in the muscles
- Helps to manually drain excess lymphatic fluid
- Increases nutrient-rich blood supply to injured area
- Increases circulation
- Helps to correctly align collagen during repair phase after an injury
Who uses the Myofascial Cupping Techniqueâ„¢?
- Massage & Remedial therapists
- Myotherapists
- Physiotherapists
- Sport medicine professionals
About the Founder
The Myofascial Cupping Techniqueâ„¢ was developed by David Sheehan. David has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement), Diploma of Health Science (Remedial Massage) and Diploma of Education. His career highlights include working as a lead sports trainer with various football clubs, which included the use of vacuum cupping for both prevention of and treatment for injuries. Over time, David has developed these skills and now teaches his own energy efficient and effective cupping techniques to massage therapists and physiotherapists in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the Unites States.
For more information regarding using the Myofascial Cupping Technique as an intervention for chronic burn victims, please see the documentary on Myofascial Cupping with Burns Victims below.
