Cupping Clinic - London
Cupping And Its Increasing Popularity Amongst Celebrities
Though cupping, also known in some circles as Hijama, has been practiced for many years by holistic therapists, it is likely that most people only became exposed to the technique due to the prominent use of it by athletes during the 2016 Olympic Games.
Cupping, in a nutshell, is a form of acupuncture that sees the therapist light a flammable liquid in a glass cup to burn away the oxygen inside, thus creating a vacuum that allows the cup to be stuck to the body. The technique draws blood to the surface of the skin without cutting, leaving noticeable red marks that stay on the skin for about three or four days.
These marks became so commonplace, particularly amongst swimmers and gymnasts in the Team USA camp, that many have been prompted to find out more about this ancient practice. After all, when even the likes of nineteen-time Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps is using the technique it becomes clear that there must be some benefits.
Why Is It Used?
In the case of the Olympics, cupping was used primarily to help wear athletes alleviate the aches and pains that are associated with pushing themselves to the highest levels. The constant training and competing can take a toll on anybody and a number of athletes were quick to point to their own experiences.
US gymnast Alex Naddour is a definite advocate, having told USA Today that cupping is “better than any money I’ve spent on anything else”.
He continued by saying: “That’s been the secret that I have had through this year that keeps me healthy.” He then went on to talk about how it helps to relieve the pains and stresses that placing such high demands on his body causes.
However, cupping is not a phenomenon that is centred solely on the Olympics. In fact, it is based on a holistic treatment that is over three thousand years old and it aims to help with everything from poor circulation through to aches, pains and even some minor skin conditions. This has led to it being used outside of athletic circles for a number of years and there are many celebrities who have shown the signs of embracing cupping, including:
Gwyneth Paltrow¬ – The star of films like Se7en and the Ironman franchise has long been an advocate for holistic treatments and has been seen with the tell-tale signs of cupping on a number of occasions. In fact, she is often seen as one of the earliest adopters of the practice, as she was first seen sporting the cupping marks at a film premiere back in 2004, when she aimed to use the technique to help with back pain.
Victoria Beckham – The former Posh Spice has also shown the signs of using cupping in the past, particularly following her anniversary holiday with her husband David in 2010.
Justin Bieber – The singer was spotted sporting the cupping marks on a beach holiday in 2015 and appears to have become as much a fan of the practice as many other celebs.
The Final Word
Cupping can help with a number of issues and has obviously caught on amongst celebrities and athletes in recent years. Why not find out more by contacting the team at The Cupping Clinic to find out how we can help you experience some of the be
