What is cupping?

Cupping is ancient form of holistic medicine that has been practiced in China and the Middle East for over 3,000 years. It recently saw a huge popularity boost after Michael Phelps cupped before swimming in the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics. Needling is just another word for acupuncture when done together with cupping.

Check out this incredible video of IFBB-certified pro Dusty Hanshaw cupping after a strenuous workout session. He and his orthopedic specialist discuss the pros and cons of treatment and Dusty swears that it relieves his post-workout soreness like no other.

The goal of cupping is to increase circulation by drawing blood to the surface of the skin. It’s also thought that pulling blood into sore muscles after a hard workout speeds up recovery time. Many Olympic athletes and IFBB pros who cup swear by the method. But cupping is actually very controversial and many members of the scientific community argue that there is no evidence cupping does anything to the body at all.

Phelps and Hanshaw are not alone in their belief that cupping has serious benefits. Take a look at some of the other people who enjoy the benefits of cupping, including Demarcus Ware of the Denver Broncos:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI9a0pgh4K2/

Would you go through something like this just to possibly speed up your recovery time? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter!