Neighbor News
Cupping Has Olympic Moment
Try the Traditional Therapy Used by Michael Phelps and others at the Abiding Spirit Center on August 15-17.
What are those purple spots on Michael Phelps’ back and shoulders that everyone’s talking about?
An ancient Chinese therapy taking center stage at the Olympics might look weird, but many athletes in a variety of sports swear by its effectiveness.
“Cupping,” where cups are placed on the skin to create suction, is used for everything from helping lung function, to alleviating back pain, to enhancing recovery in athletes.
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Recently Western medicine practitioners have been using cupping therapy, or, as it is referred to by the Western medical practitioners, myofascial decompression therapy, because of it's effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions, though it's roots are older than most people realize.
In addition to Phelps, other Olympic athletes also have received cupping, such as US gymnast Alex Naddour.
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Licensed acupuncturists Michelle Tate and Lisa Tomoleoni, from the Abiding Spirit Center in Crystal Lake, tell us a little about cupping.
“Cupping is one of the treatment modalities of Traditional Oriental Medicine we use to alleviate pain and enhance functionality,” said Tate. “The cupping treatment activates a myofascial release, increasing blood flow to an area, which helps in recovery from overexertion.”
“Many athletes prefer this treatment to taking medication for alleviating pain, or to massage, which can further irritate an already inflamed area,” explained Tomoleoni. “In addition to treatment for athletic performance, we treat many patients for a variety of things with cupping, such as COPD, asthma, back pain, and shingles.”
The procedure accelerates recovery and typically takes about 15 minutes to complete. It’s safe and effective, and the patient can return to activity immediately after receiving treatment.
August 15-17, the Abiding Spirit Center is offering cupping treatments for $30/session, to provide people with the opportunity to experience what it's all about.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, see www.AbidingSpiritCenter.org or call (815) 444-6019.
