Myofascial Dry Cupping

Theory behind the cupping

Through progressive inactivity the blood supply to tissues decreases and the fascia gets knotted and scarred, which further limits movements. This can then become a vicious cycle

the use of dry cupping, in likeness with manual massage therapy, can aid these effects by increasing blood supply to the muscle, fascia and skin and increasing pliability of soft tissue.

Initially dry cupping pulls blood into an area. The tissue becomes saturated with fresh blood while the vacuum pulls stagnant blood out of the area. this is demonstrated by the hickey like appearance but its rarely painful

As new blood is forced into the tissue around the cups the body will begin to develop new blood vessels called neovascularisation (new blood vessel formation).

As the new vessels form they will have the capability to feed the tissues with nutrient and oxygen.

Sterile inflammation is also produced by the process of dry cupping. This is where the body releases white blood cells, platelets, fibroblasts and other chemicals to promote healing.

When the vacuum occurs, it causes micro trauma and tearing. This micro trauma is registered by the body and sterile inflammation is initiated.

Fascia and tissue can be stretched several feet with cupping. The stretch action produces a stretch reflex which helps to reduce muscle tension along the micro trauma which stimulates the formation of new blood vessels and the migration of blood and nutrients to the damaged tissue.

When 10 or so cups are used around an injured area it can produce a stretch reflex within the connective tissue and fascia which results in increased pliability and range of movement.