WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH… CUPPING?
We take a look at this ancient practice that’s become the favoured therapy of Olympians
BEGINNER’S GUIDE
WHAT’S INVOLVED?
Words Laura Potter.
You’ll discuss your medical history with the practitioner, then lie on a table and rubber cups will be applied to your skin. It may be two cups, or go into double digits, but four or five is the norm. The suction created by a vacuum within the cup causes the underlying tissue to rise partway into the cup, and this pressure draws with it blood and toxins. Cups are applied for up to 20 minutes – most people find the sensations of tightness and warmth soothing, while others find the sucking a little uncomfortable. You could think of cupping as the inverse of a massage – instead of applying pressure to muscles, a massage-like effect is created by suction and moving the lubricated cups around the back, legs, neck and chest.