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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For more info about Amy Wolf –Herb + Ōhm – check out her Facebook Page.
I heard all about cupping in the olympics! Makes me want to try it!
It’s very unique! Try it and see!
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. 🙁
Thanks, Karen! Cupping is actually pretty cool because it’s completely non-invasive. Nothing to be scared of 🙂
Remember when Gwyneth Paltrow did cupping in the 90’s? Now it’s the hottest thing! I need to try it.
Totally!!! It’s really cool, you should check it out 🙂
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
I have never heard of such a thing. But hey I am willing to try anything once.
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!!
I had heard of cupping, but wasn’t exactly sure what it was for. It’s amazing that it can help your body recover and heal from so many different ailments!
I have been reading so much about cupping and I really want to give it a try but all it also makes me nervous!
http://styledbys.ca
I am interested to try this since so many Olympians swear by it. Glad to get this inside peek!
No freaking way! You did cupping?! Was is scary? I hear the results are amazing but the look is crazy!
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
Love this post! I’ve been using cupping on and off for years and think it is wonderful!
Kristin
The Blush Blonde
I’ve always been curious about cupping, but am afraid it will hurt the areas of my back where I have some nerve issues (from scoliosis surgery), so if I were to try it it would most likely be just my upper body! Sounds so good though!
xo
Sami
http://www.theclassicbrunette.com
I have never experienced cupping but it definitely looks interesting. I am not sure if I would get it done personally.
It is so interesting that this could help with migraines. I might be tempted to do this just for that benefit.
Such a cool post! I was honestly so curious about cupping. I loved watching the games this year. So sad it’s over!
Xo,
Courtney
http://www.courtneyfashionista.com
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
I’ve heard lots of good things about cupping. I’m going to have to give it a try.
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
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!
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!!
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.
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.
Hi Blythe, We would definitely recommend checking out cupping. Feel free to contact Amy via Facebook to find out more! XO
I’ve heard a lot of good things about cupping! I’m definitely curious!!
xo Ashley
I wish cupping didn’t leave such odd looking marks. It sounds like a great practice.
I have heard a lot of good things about cupping. I find it absolutely fascinating and kind of cool!
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.
I have never tried cupping before. It is great that it has many beneficial properties like alleviating migraines.
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.
I have loved watching the games – the final four forever! I really want to try acupuncture!
Oops Final 5!
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!
This looks so relaxing. I, too, would be jumping up for joy!
Fatima
Publisher | Motherhood Through My Eyes
http://motherhoodthroughmyeyes.com
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!
Totally! Thanks, Doll 🙂
I love acupuncture (I once had it in my face!!!) but I’ve never tried cupping. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Wendy – you are so welcome! If you ever try cupping, check back and let us know!
I heard about cupping and all it’s benefits. It’s definitely on my list of things to try!
Hi Christine, we totally encourage it! Explore all the possibilities to find the healing method that best fits you. XO
That cupping this looks so odd, but I’ve definitely seen a rise in the practice!
http://thewanderingbrunette.com
Hi Kirsten, We hear you! The procedure has actually been around for over two thousand years. Can you believe it?!
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.
Hi Heather, Thanks for stopping by! This procedure is totally pain-free. Feel free to connect with Amy on Facebook to learn more. XO
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
So interesting! I’ve never tried it but sounds fantastic!
It certainly is! Feel free to connect with Amy on Facebook too – she can answer all your questions 🙂
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!
Hi Rachel, We get it! To each their own 🙂
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!
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!
You two are the cutest! I’ve never done cupping before but I do get headaches super frequently so maybe I should look into it and see if it’ll help alleviate some of the pain! Thanks for sharing. xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/patched-up-fall-colors/
Thanks, Sharon! You’re a Doll ?
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.
You should check it out! Amy would be happy to answer any questions via her FB page. XO
They were showing a documentary on cupping the other day and showing how Olympics atheletes use it to relieve pain. Beautifully written informative post!
Omg what cute outfits!!!! I’m loving the tank with the unicorn. I need that in my life!!!
It looks so painful, but I’m sure it really has some amazing circulatory benefits. I may get up the nerve to try it one day
Hi Cassandra, It’s actually not painful at all! Think of it like a perfectly spherical hickey ? haha!
I’ve never seen anything like that before! Btw, I have that USA unicorn tank! 🙂
I’ve never seen anything like that before! Btw, I have that USA unicorn tank 🙂
Hi Whitney, That’s awesome! Unicorns unite ?? We love Tipsy Elves!
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.
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.
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!
Thanks, Arin! It’s always good to get out of your comfort zone a bit 🙂 XO
I would love to try this!
Love this! Dying to try acupuncture.
themodestfoxpr.blogspot.com
My mom has done cupping for a few years and she made me let her test it out on me a few years ago. I walked out with circular welts all over my body. Led to WAY too many questions! Hahaha. Looks like y’all had a much better experience than I did though 🙂
XO Amanda | http://www.glitterandspice.com
It is new for me. Many times, I have heard about it but willing to try it once. You look superb in this top. It is marvelous! Fabulous post! Thanks to share!
Thanks!
Margarita
http://www.margaritasport.com/
No…no and no again….no acupuncture, no cupping…I am too damn chicken for either of them