Once Upon a Dollhouse

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Spotted: USA All the Way

Polka dots are so in right now.  Seriously, red & purple dots on your back are all the rage. Ever since Michael Phelps appeared marked up with perfectly circular suction marks and bringing home the gold, the world has been buzzing over this ancient medical treatment. Olympians at Rio have taken to cupping — a form of Eastern Medicine that has healed people for thousands of years. The Dolls visited Dr. Amy Wolf at Herb + Ohm to experience cupping first hand and report back on the procedure and benefits.

Tipsy Elves USA Shirts - Once Upon a Dollhouse

What is cupping? Find out the benefits. - Once Upon a Dollhouse

The Dolls are both sporting their USA pride courtesy of Tipsy Elves.

The Summer Games have been such a thrill to watch – and the story behind each athlete is inspiring. As these Olympians put everything on the line for their country, they have to maintain their peak performance level. Cupping can be used to help athletes recover faster and lend an extra competitive edge for the games.

Cupping in the Olympics 2016 - Once Upon a Dollhouse

The Dolls are both sporting their USA pride courtesy of Tipsy Elves.

What is cupping? It is believed to restore the flow of “qi” — the life force. This technique creates a local suction to mobilize blood flow in order to promote healing. The suction pulls toxins up to the surface and away from the injury so that healthy circulation and blood flow can be restored to the affected area. It releases and lengthens muscles and relieves pressure from joints and nerves. The color (polka dots) happens within a few minutes and could stay anywhere from three-four days to one week. The polka dots could be darker or lighter depending on the obstruction or lack of free blood flow to the area….. It’s basically the perfect spherical hickey.

Cupping and the Olympics - Once Upon a Dollhouse

The Dolls are both sporting their USA pride courtesy of Tipsy Elves.

Traditionally, a cotton ball is soaked in alcohol and burned inside the cup, removing all oxygen and creating a vacuum that anchors the cup to the skin. It’s more common now (and safer) for the practitioner to use an air pump to create suction between the cup and the skin, pulling the skin slightly up and away from the underlying muscles. The suction uses pressure to pull skin, tissue and muscles upward.

What is cupping? - Once Upon a Dollhouse
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So, if you’re not an Olympic athlete – what are the benefits of cupping? Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Simpson have also utilized this technique. Cupping can provide relief for migraines, muscular tension, respiratory diseases, digestive diseases, allergies and chronic pain, to just name a few.

Benefits of Cupping - Once Upon a Dollhouse

What is cupping? - Once Upon a Dollhouse

Caitlin and Danielle felt a tight sensation where each cup was placed when it was suctioned. This sensation can be relaxing and soothing, especially when the area is in pain. Depending on your practitioner’s assessment of the problem, cups may be moved around or left in place. They may remain on your body for a few moments or for several minutes. Each treatment is unique to you on that particular day. One very common area to be cupped is the back, although cups work well on other areas, too depending on what kind of ailment your body feels.

Benefits of cupping - Once Upon a Dollhouse

If you have ever tried acupuncture – we definitely recommend trying cupping! The two practices really complement each other and your practitioner may even work the two together.

Amy Wolf - Owner of Herb + Ohm

For more info about Amy Wolf –Herb + Ōhm – check out her Facebook Page.

Comments

  2. I’m scared of cupping. haha… Not sure I’ll try it (I’m sure I wont – I’m a wimp!), but am curious about it! Never did acupuncture, either… but also heard good things about that. Loved the Olympics and all the gymnastics and sad its over now. 🙁

  3. Remember when Gwyneth Paltrow did cupping in the 90’s? Now it’s the hottest thing! I need to try it.

  4. This post was so fun to read!! I think I’m going to stick to massages because this and acupuncture and everything else terrifies me (I am a huge scaredy cat) but I loved learning more about this process!

    -Meagan | Love by Meagan

  6. My mom has used cupping over the years so I have heard of this before.
    I have tried needling but not cupping only because I didn’t want huge red marks all over my body. LOL!!

  9. I am interested to try this since so many Olympians swear by it. Glad to get this inside peek!

    • It’s not scary at all! Not invasive and no pain. If you’re interested – connect with Amy via her Facebook page so you can learn more! XO

  13. I have never experienced cupping but it definitely looks interesting. I am not sure if I would get it done personally.

  14. It is so interesting that this could help with migraines. I might be tempted to do this just for that benefit.

  16. wow..I first heard this word while watching the recent Olympics..so cool you got to try this..>I have some ailments sounds like could be cured or eased by using this method..thanks for sharing!!

    VAlerie

  18. I have my very own cupping set! I have used it for a good 7 years now. My husband and I both use it all the time. Seriously, if anyone is thinking of trying it – try it. If you don’t care about having circle bruises – you will love it!

  19. I had never heard of this until the Olympics! So happy to come across this post that explains it so well. I am definitely looking into a local practitioner experienced in this!!

  20. I just heard about it when they were talking about Michael Phelps. I’ll need to study this more and learn more about its benefits.

  21. I have problems with my back, especially when I workout and sometimes it causes me to have to take a break while I wait for it to heal. Cupping sounds like it might really help my back problems. Glad to know that it isn’t painful.

  23. I wish cupping didn’t leave such odd looking marks. It sounds like a great practice.

  25. So that’s what it’s called. I’ve seen athletes doing this and it’s definitely going to help them relax after all the pressure that they’ve been putting on their health. I think it’s a great idea and it’s also perfect for people who are overworked and stressed out.

  27. I did do accupuncture when I was trying to get pregnant. I’m open to cupping, seems to be all the rage after the Olympics.

  28. I have loved watching the games – the final four forever! I really want to try acupuncture!

  30. I remember trying cupping when it was big a few years ago, and it was the strangest experience! I wasn’t much of a fan, but I could totally see how all olympic athletes would really benefit from it!

  32. The first time my roommate (who was on swim team) came home with those cup mark things I was so freaked out haha.. Apprantly you’re right, they’re actually good for you!

  36. I heard about cupping several months ago, and have been interested in it, but have never tried it. I feel like it would probably be great to do, if you can get over the first fear factor.

  37. A friend of mine recently told me to try acupuncture for my severe asthma and acid reflux – I think this might serve me as well. I will have to investigate further.

    • HI Teresa, we definitely reccomend trying this out! If you connect with Amy via Facebook, she’ll be happy to answer any questions. XO

  39. That looks awful. lol. I’m sorry. I know it is supposed to be awesome, but I don’t think it is for me. I hope it helps you guys!

  40. I saw the cupping marks on Michael Phelps when he was swimming. I also saw the news story and wondered just how effective it really was. Thanks for the informative post!

  41. I wasn’t aware that cupping can help with things like migraines as well. I only thought it was helpful for sore muscles! I will need to tell my daughter about this. Thanks for sharing!

  43. I have never tried cupping before, but I’ve been hearing a lot about it lately. I love alternative health, so I’ll definitely have to try this sometime.

  44. They were showing a documentary on cupping the other day and showing how Olympics atheletes use it to relieve pain. Beautifully written informative post!

  49. Love the patriotic tops. It’s funny that cupping has been around practically forever and now it’s mainstream. That’s the power of social media and olympians.

  50. I have been so fascinated about cupping! It’s hard not to when you see the marks on so many swimmers during the Olympics. I definitely want to try it now.

  51. OMG, I would SO never do this, haha! I would have been squirming the entire time! Eeek! Maybe a note to get out of my ‘comfort zone’ tho!

       

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