Cupping, a practice that dates back over 3,000 years, has been used in various cultures, including ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern traditions. It involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which is believed to promote healing by improving blood flow, reducing muscle tension, and stimulating the body’s natural recovery process. This therapy can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and enhance relaxation and overall well-being. Many people turn to cupping as a natural, non-invasive way to relieve chronic pain, stress, and improve circulation.
Recent research supports cupping's effectiveness for pain relief. Several clinical studies have shown that cupping can help reduce chronic pain, especially in conditions like neck and back pain, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. A 2020 systematic review published in the Journal of Pain Research highlighted that cupping might help reduce musculoskeletal pain by improving circulation and lowering inflammatory markers in the body.
Other studies suggest that cupping enhances the body’s ability to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers, while also reducing muscle stiffness. Although more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms, many findings indicate that cupping is a promising complementary treatment for managing pain, often with fewer side effects compared to conventional therapies like medications.
This growing body of evidence shows that cupping could be a useful, non-invasive option for individuals seeking alternative ways to address pain and discomfort.
Summary of benefits:
endorphin release (nature's Advil)
increased blood flow
decreased muscle tension
decreased medication usage
decreased inflammation
improved recovery time
Scraping, Graston, Fibrosis Release and Myofascial Stretching (FRAMS) all refer to another type of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). This specialized technique is used in physical therapy to help treat soft tissue injuries, reduce pain, and improve mobility. By using specially designed tools, therapists can apply targeted pressure to areas of muscle tightness, scar tissue, or fascial restrictions, breaking down adhesions and promoting healing.
The benefits of IASTM include faster recovery from injuries, increased range of motion, reduced pain and inflammation, and improved flexibility. It also stimulates blood flow to the affected area, encouraging the body’s natural healing processes. IASTM is often used to treat conditions like tendinitis, muscle strains, and chronic pain, making it an effective, non-invasive option for rehabilitation and performance improvement.
Summary of benefits:
pain relief
faster recovery time
improvements in range of motion
improved circulation
decreased use of pain medication
improve swelling/lymph flow
mobilize scar tissue