Trendy treatment has a long history
Traditional cupping can tackle a wide range of conditions
It was the question on the lips of every observer at the Rio Olympics: just what are those dark circles on Michael Phelps' back? The swimmer and most decorated Olympian of all time is one pof many athletes who have undergone cupping therapy in the run up to this year's games.
In cupping, which is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a therapist puts special cups against the skin to create suction that can help improve blood flow. Although the phenomenon seems trendy in 2018, Wilmslow therapist Jenna Robins insists cupping is anything but a fad. She said: "Cupping has been around for thousands of years. It can be used to treat injuries or for rehab, and therapists who are TCM accredited have a really deep level of understanding health. We've been preaching the benefits of TCM for years. For China's Olympians TCM has long been a massive part of their rehab and to keep them in optimum health. I treat a Team GB snowboarder and I also work with triathlon competitors and runners."
During the treatment, a therapist will create a vacuum between the cup and the patient's skinm which causes their blood vessels to expand. The treatment has been used to help patients of strokes during their rehabilitation, as well as to relieve pain following injuries. Cupping can also be used to treat patients with stress, fertility issues and pre- or post-operation problems, although it is not used by the NHS.
Jenna said: "Cupping has been tried in this country with a drug-based mindset, but drugs are limited and in this country we have been arrogant when testing TCM against their use as the test in unfair."
Jenna has been in clinical practice for 25 years and believes that people have become more proactive with their health and willing to try TCM over the past five years. She has seen an increase in demand for the therapy since the start of the Olympics, but recommends that anyone keen to try cupping should visit a BAcC accredited therapist.
For more information visit www.jennarobins.co.uk