Cupping for back pain and cellulite: this is how it really works
Cupping, I had often heard about it but it felt a bit like a far-off show. It would help against cellulite and I also suffer from it, because hey: I have skin, I am a woman and they tend to have issues with it faster. Still, I never felt the urge to shop for a set of cups. Until a friend of mine launched her own cupping brand and she really started telling me all the benefits. And seriously: I should have known this much earlier. It actually does a lot more than just tighten your skin You can use it for so much more. Thank me later.
Cupping: ouch nice
Admittedly: it’s not really very nice, especially not the first few times which are quite intense, but cupping works. It improves blood circulation, makes the skin firmer and helps against cellulite. So I use the silicone cups from the Saso Store and they are really nice, they actually have two sizes for your skin and you can now also shop them for your face. You get it: we are of course very curious about that too. I just use them in the shower, with the Saso shower gel or oil. You squeeze the cup, attach it to your skin (vacuum) and then make gentle circular movements over your thighs, buttocks or stomach. The harder you squeeze, the stronger the vacuum. So start gently. A red skin is part of it (unfortunately), but that gets less after a few times.
Gone through your back? Try cupping
One wrong move and boom: your back completely cramps up. Been there. Several times even. Usually, you want to go directly to a physiotherapist or book a strong massage, but what also surprisingly works well: cupping.
How does that work exactly?
If you have pain in your lower back or shoulder blades, you can place the cup directly on that spot. Use a bit of oil or cream, squeeze the cup firmly and attach it to the skin. Just let it sit – don’t massage, that’s called static cupping. Ten minutes is often enough (do set a timer, because you don’t want a mega blue-purple spot). Keep an eye on it: the skin may turn red, but should not feel painful or bruised. It’s also important to know that if you’re going to do it, you better (or actually just preferably not) place a cup on bruises, varicose veins or broken skin. And if you’re in doubt, always first check with your doctor or physiotherapist.
Why does this work?
During cupping, your skin is vacuumed, which draws more blood to the area. And that’s exactly what your muscles need. Due to the increased blood circulation, waste products are removed faster and oxygen is supplied, speeding up the recovery process of your muscles. And drink plenty of water. You will notice the difference, really.
So it actually works a bit like a detox, but locally. Muscle knots get more space and tension decreases. Sometimes you literally feel the difference after one session. No wonder top athletes swear by it.
Did it hurt?
Uh, yes. A bit, but going through your back is also painful. So you tackle everything to lessen that feeling. The nice thing is: you have control over the pressure. So start gently, build it up, listen carefully to your body because unnecessary pain should definitely not happen. What also helps is to take a warm bath or shower beforehand, so your muscles are already more relaxed. And that’s what you want.
