At FORTIS, one of the modalities we like to use is cupping. But what is it and why do we use it? Cupping is a form of “vacuum therapy” that has been used for thousands of years. It’s important to note that there are many different types of cups and applications may vary with each case, or the practitioner’s training. For example, a cupping treatment you may receive from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner may focus on eliciting certain visceral or humoral effects by cupping along meridian lines, this varies from a cupping treatment you would receive from a rehabilitation based practitioner who may use cupping to improve mobility, blood flow and reduce fascial restrictions in their patient. At FORTIS we use cupping to achieve the latter. The tool is the same but the goals, targets and inputs may vary. 

Cupping as a modality allows the practitioner to have an effect on various target tissues and systems within the body, to elicit the desired effect of improved mobility and blood flow. So how does cupping work? Here are a few examples of the benefits generalized cupping applications can have to a few of your body’s systems and tissues. 

Circulation: The suction or “vacuum" effect creates vasodilation, which draws blood flow into the tissue. By drawing fresh blood to hypoxic or over-stressed tissues, this also draws fresh oxygen and nutrients carried in that blood to nourish the effected area. The expansion of blood vessels also offers a vehicle for release of deep inflammation to the skin surface.

Fascia: Separation of layers of fascia is profound when tissue is stretched in multiple directions by the cup. Separation of these layers, allows the fascia to move properly. The suction effect the cup creates, can be used to release adhesions that can block drainage and create congestion and vascular stress in the affected area. Adhesions are defined as “the joining of normally unconnected body parts by bands of fibrous tissue.” This can be scar tissue from previous surgical interventions, non-surgical scar tissue from previous injuries or maladaptive postural states, or even from compressive clothing such clothing as bras, tight bike shorts or socks, or even marks from a chair where the person sat and worked for years, etc. Once the restriction of flow is removed, the patient will find improved mobility post-treatment. It is important to note though that the desired results often require more than one session and if the patent is consistently stressing their fascia in certain areas (from activities of daily living that may cause repetitive strain or postural imbalances) and the best results are seen with cupping treatment in conjunction with other soft tissue techniques and modalities, as well as therapeutic exercise to address the source of dysfunction and correct it. 

Muscle tissue: Using cupping techniques on muscular tissue visibly softens the affected areas where applied. The muscle is left feeling plump with hydration and blood flow when palpated. Attachments can be toned or released depending on the techniques used. For example, using dynamic release or dynamic cupping techniques, enables the practitioner to lift attachments as the joint is slowly moved through its range.

So as you can see, there are many reasons why your practitioner may suggest that they would like to use cupping techniques as part of your treatment plan and, as mentioned, the application of the cups will vary based on your treatment goals and the target tissues involved. Hopefully after reading this you feel that you have a better understanding of why cupping as a modality is helpful in treatment and how it works. If you have any questions about cupping, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly or bring it up during your session with your healthcare practitioner to hear more about it.