Myofascial decompression (MFD), also known as cupping therapy, is a form of alternative therapy that involves the use of cups to create suction on the skin.
It has a number of benefits for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and overall wellness. Some of the potential benefits of cupping include:
- Reducing muscle soreness and inflammation. Cupping may help to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation by increasing blood flow to the affected areas.
- Improving range of motion. Cupping may help to improve range of motion by breaking up adhesions and scar tissue in the muscles and fascia.
- Relieving pain. Cupping may help to relieve pain by releasing trigger points and relaxing tight muscles.
- Enhancing athletic performance. Some athletes and trainers believe that cupping can help to enhance athletic performance by improving muscle function and reducing the risk of injury.
Different Types of Cupping
There are several different types of cupping therapy, including dry cupping, wet cupping, and traditional Chinese cupping.
Dry Cupping
Dry cupping, is the most common form of cupping in the west with-in wellness, health, and performance settings. It involves placing cups on the skin and creating a vacuum effect by using a pump.
The cups are placed on locations of pain or acupuncture points. They are typically left in place for 5-15 minutes. The suction is believed to help stretch and loosen the fascia and muscles. Subsequently, this may help to reduce muscle tension and improve blood flow.
Wet Cupping
Wet cupping, also known as hijama, is a variation of dry cupping. It involves making small incisions on the skin and then applying the cups. The suction from the cups is believed to help draw out impurities and excess fluids from the body. Wet cupping is not as commonly used as dry cupping and is not as well studied.
Traditional Chinese Fire Cupping
Traditional Chinese cupping, also known as fire cupping, involves heating the air inside the cups and then placing them on the skin. The heat causes the air inside the cups to expand, creating a vacuum effect. Traditional Chinese cupping is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used to treat a wide range of ailments.
All three types of cupping are based on different theories and may be used to treat a variety of conditions.
MyoFascial Decompression Cupping
Myofasical decompression is a form of dry cupping. It involves placing cups along specific myofascial lines and areas of densification.
The cups are typically left in 1 1/2 to 3 minutes. Movement of the cups or the muscle underneath is used to influence the direction of tension in the tissue.
Myofascial decompression is the type of cupping performed at Vive.
How Does Myofascial Cupping Work?
Myofascial decompression is typically performed by a trained therapist and may be done using either stationary cups or cups that are moved over the skin.
Cupping works by creating a vacuum effect on the skin. The suction causes the skin and underlying tissues to be drawn into the cup.
This suction can help to improve the pliability of the fascia and muscles through several different means.
Negative Pressure
One of the main effects of the negative pressure created by cupping is on fluid dynamics. The suction from the cups helps improve circulation and lymphatic drainage by increasing the flow of blood and lymph fluids in the body.
The negative pressure created by the cups is thought to help “pull” the fluids from the tissues and into the circulatory and lymphatic systems, which may help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
The negative pressure created by cupping may also have an effect on the interstitial spaces, which are the small gaps between the cells in the body.
The interstitial spaces are filled with fluid, and the negative pressure created by the cups is thought to help “squeeze” the fluid out of the tissues and into the circulatory and lymphatic systems. This may help to reduce swelling and improve overall circulation.
MyoFascial Decompression and Fascia
One of the ways in which MFD is thought to produce these effects is by influencing the fascia, a layer of connective tissue that surrounds and supports the muscles and organs in the body.
The fascia can become tight or restricted due to injury, overuse, or poor posture, which can lead to muscle pain and stiffness. Myofascial decompression is thought to help alleviate these issues by stretching and loosening the fascia and muscles, which may help to improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension.
There is scientific evidence to support the idea that MFD can influence the fascia and muscle stiffness. A study published in found that MFD was effective at improving tissue compliance in baseball players (1). Another study showed that cupping created measurable change in tissue stiffness and compliance (2).
Another study published in 2021 measured fatigue and electrical activity. The authors found that MFD was effective at improving reducing muscle fatigue in healthy individuals 24 hours later (3).
However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects and to determine the long-term benefits of MFD for fascia and muscle function. There are some scientifically based theories of the specific physiological mechanisms.
What Is The Physiology Behind Myofascial Cupping?
It is believed to have a number of benefits for muscle pain, inflammation, and overall wellness, but the mechanisms behind these benefits are not fully understood.
There are three main theories about how myofascial decompression cupping may provide benefits:
- Mechanical effects: It is believed that the suction created by the cups improves pliability of fascia and muscles. Research shows that cupping improves blood flow(4) and reduce muscle tension(2). Some studies have suggested that MFD may be effective in reducing muscle soreness and improving range of motion. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanical effects of MFD.
- Fluid dynamics: It is also believed that the suction created by the cups may help to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, which may help to reduce inflammation and promote healing(4). However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this theory, and more research is needed to understand the fluid dynamics of MFD.
- Neuro-chemical effects: It is thought that MFD may have an effect on the nervous system and the production of chemicals in the body, such as endorphins and cortisol. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this theory, and more research is needed to understand the neuro-chemical effects of MFD.
However, the theories and evidence behind the mechanisms of MFD are still being researched and are not fully understood. We know that myofascial decompression provides benefits, but still only theories of exactly how.
Why Are There Marks From MyoFascial Cupping?
After cupping therapy, people may experience marks on their skin that are similar to bruises. However, these marks known as ecchymosis, are usually not painful and usually fade within a few days to a week.
The marks left by cupping therapy are caused by the suction from the cups. That suction creates negative pressure on the skin. The negative pressure from the cups causes the blood vessels near the surface of the skin to dilate, or expand.
As the blood vessels dilate, blood flow to the area is increased. As a consequnce swelling and a discoloration of the skin can occur. The accumulation of blood in the tissues causes discoloration similar to the appearance of a bruise.
The marks left by cupping therapy can vary depending on the specific technique being used and the individual’s skin type. Some people may experience more intense marks than others. Additionally, the marks may last longer in some people than in others.
What Do The Marks Mean?
Some practitioners evaluate the color of the bruises from cupping as a way to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. For example, a dark purple or brown color may indicate a slow flow of blood and lymph fluids. On the other hand, a lighter color may indicate a healthy flow.
It is important to note that the color of the bruises from cupping is not a definitive indicator of health. It should not be used as the sole basis for evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment. Other factors, such as the duration and intensity of the marks, may also be taken into consideration.
Diapedesis May Contribute To Cupping Benefits
Diapedesis is a process that occurs when red blood cells and other substances leak out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissues.
It is believed to have a number of chemical or immune benefits. Those include the stimulation of enzymatic reactions due to the tissue strain to the sub-dermal tissue. When this tissue strain occurs, bleeding just below the surface of the skin occurs, releasing hemoproteins containing heme.
Hemoxygenase is an enzyme that degrades excessive amounts of heme. This in turn protects against further tissue damage, releasing carbon dioxide, biliverdin, bilirubin, and iron in the process.
These molecules are believed to have positive effects on pain and inflammation. Low concentrations of carbon dioxide decrease pain at the spinal cord level. Furthermore, biliverdin and bilirubin serving as anti-inflammatories, anti-apoptotics, and antioxidants.
What Techniques Are Used in Myofascial Decompression?
There are several different techniques that therapists may use during MFD therapy, including sliding approaches and active movement/contraction.
Sliding Myofascial Decompression
Sliding approaches, are also known as “gliding cupping” or “moving cupping.” They involve applying the cups to the skin and moving them in a gliding motion. The cups may be moved in a straight line, a circular pattern, or a back-and-forth motion.
The therapist may also use massage techniques, such as kneading or tapping, to help loosen the muscles and fascia. Sliding approaches are believed to be more effective at improving tissue pliability than stationary cupping.
Active Myofascial Decompression
Active movement/contraction involves having the person actively move their muscles and joints while the cups are in place. This involves simple movements such as flexing and extending the arm or leg. It can also involve more complex movements such as squats or lunges.
Active movement/contraction is believed to help stretch and loosen the fascia and muscles, which may help to improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension.
The benefits of sliding approaches and active movement/contraction in MFD therapy may include reducing muscle soreness and inflammation, improving range of motion, relieving pain, and enhancing athletic performance.
What Are Some of The Myths Around Cupping?
There are a number of myths and misconceptions about cupping. Some common myths include:
Myth #1. Cupping removes toxins from the body: Cupping is sometimes claimed to remove toxins from the body. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
The suction created by the cups may temporarily increase blood flow, but it is not a reliable method for removing toxins from the body.
Myth #2. Myofascial cupping is a cure-all. MFD is sometimes promoted as a treatment for a wide range of conditions, from muscle soreness and headaches to arthritis and asthma.
However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of MFD for these conditions, and it should not be used as a substitute for traditional medical treatment.
Myth #3. Darker MFD marks indicate a better treatment. While MFD is generally considered to be a safe and non-invasive therapy, it is not necessarily painless.
Some people may experience discomfort or pain during the treatment, particularly if the cups are applied too firmly or if there is underlying muscle tension or inflammation.
Myth #4. MFD is suitable for everyone. MFD is not suitable for everyone, and there are certain people who should avoid it or use caution when undergoing the treatment. For example, people with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or varicose veins , should not use MFD.
Dry cupping has been demonstrated to be very safe and have a low incidence of adverse effects. It does not have the risks of burning like fire cupping or infection from wet cupping (6).
SUMMARY TL;DR
Myofascial cupping, also known as myofascial decompression, is a form of alternative therapy that involves the use of cups to create suction on the skin.
MFD is typically performed by placing the cups on the skin and creating a vacuum by using a suction device. As a result of the suction created by the cups, space is created in the fascia and its stretched. The connective tissue that surrounds and supports the muscles and organs in the body.
Myofascial decompression helps reducing muscle soreness, improving range of motion, and enhancing athletic performance.
Some people also report experiencing improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and increased relaxation after undergoing MFD. However, the specific mechanisms behind these effects are not fully understood and are still being researched.
It is important to note that MFD is not a substitute for traditional medical treatment and should not be used as such. If you are experiencing muscle pain or other health issues, you should talk to your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
