Cupping and other Bodywork

Two of the often forgotten pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine are bodywork and prescribed exercise. Bodywork includes cupping, Gua Sha, and acupressure or massage.

Cupping is another facet of Traditional Chinese Medicine that is growing faster than can be comprehended. It was made famous at the 2016 Rio Olympics when Michael Phelps won his 25^th medal covered in small dark circles from the treatment. It was one of his strategies of success as cupping, when mixed with simple stretching and exercises, can lead to a notable increase in flexibility and range of motion. This would’ve helped Phelps get a longer reach in each swimming stroke. I had the opportunity to train with the therapist who created the cupping technique for the US Olympic Team and have been using that same technique for years to help with frozen shoulders, neck or back pain, tight hamstrings, or foot pain. The treatment is comfortable when done correctly and the circles left are temporary, often only lasting about four day.

Gua Sha is a form of bodywork involving sliding a smooth jade instrument along the skin to dispel adhesions in the tissue. This is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that the Graston Technique got its idea from. Gua Sha can be great for breaking up scar tissue, decreasing IT band pain, and decreasing pain in the neck, forearms, Achilles, and feet.