cupping therapy

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Have you noticed more and more celebrities showing up to events with little round marks on their backs? These come from cupping therapy. But what is it?  

Proponents believe the suction helps facilitate the flow of “qi” in the body. Qi is a Chinese word meaning life force.  Many believe that cupping helps balance yin and yang, or the negative and positive, within the body. Restoring balance between these two extremes is thought to help with the body’s resistance to pathogens as well as its ability to increase blood flow and reduce pain.  Cupping increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This may relieve muscle tension, which can improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair. It may also help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue.