We’ve Talked About Cupping Many Times Before Already!

If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll have seen my posts on the dangers of cupping. If you haven’t already read that article, I strongly recommend you do as it goes over 3 important dangers associated with cupping. This is especially important for you to understand if you’re interested in trying cupping for the first time.

I got nothing but mad love for cupping, but I still think there are certain dangers if it’s not practised in a safe, controlled manner.

And this goes for just about everything including regular massage! Have you never heard any of those freak stories where someone goes to get a massage and they end up with a broken bone or two because the intensity was way too much!? If that doesn’t have your attention, here’s a tragic story about a 23 year old male who lost his life after receiving a leg massage.

Granted these cases are few and far between, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore them altogether. It’s always best to be well informed before starting something new.

As the age old saying goes better safe than sorry! With that sidebar discussion outta the way, let’s talk about cupping, but this time specifically if cupping is good for cellulite. Does cupping help reduce cellulite? Or is this all a myth?

What Is Cellulite & Why Does It Form?

To better answer the question of whether cupping is actually good for cellulite, we need to first look at both cupping and cellulite a little more closely. What is cellulite and why does it form? I like the definition on prima.co.uk!

“Cellulite is caused by clumps of unmetabolised fat, water, and trapped waste beneath the skin…” (Source: Dr. Marilyn Glenville)

The hardening of these waste materials is what gives rise to cellulite and that characteristic skin dimpling we all dread! In layman terms, we could very simply say that cellulite is fat beneath the skin.

You may be wondering why does cellulite form beneath the skin? Is it because someone has a poor diet or doesn’t exercise frequently, or is it purely hereditary? Based on what I’ve read, there’s mixed opinions. Some say that cellulite can be caused by a poor diet, genetics, inactivity or lack of exercise, weight gain, and even hormonal issues.

While others say that not much is known about what causes cellulite stating that even those who are active and fit can have cellulite.

Just to be very clear cellulite is not harmful. However, if you feel your condition is not cellulite but something else, best to consult with your physician and get it looked at.

Now that we kinda have a sense of what cellulite is and why it may form, let’s look at cupping and what specifically happens in a cupping massage!

What Is Cupping Massage & What’s Its Intent?

In theory cupping is actually pretty simple. It is the act of placing cups on the skin with the intent of creating a “pull or suction”. This pulling action is what most people believe results in the healing benefits of cupping.

When the skin is pulled, there is almost a disturbance in the way blood would be circulating in that localised area, and with cupping you’re changing or disrupting that pattern. Allowing stagnant blood to become mobile is of course never a bad thing!

I’m not gonna talk in detail about the “perceived” benefits of cupping because I have covered that in a different post I did a few years ago. You can check that out by clicking here!

So Is Cupping Good For Cellulite? What’s The Final Verdict?

In short, no.

While it may seem at least temporarily that cupping appears to reduce cellulite, there is no substantial, hard evidence that suggests long term benefits or permanent reduction of cellulite as a result of cupping.

But….

This is what we know at this point in time, but who knows what scientific studies come out and say in the future. It would be nice if unbiased research could be done investigating whether cupping can truly help reduce cellulite long term.

The problem right now is for one there’s nothing substantial, and two most of the commentary around the subject seems to have an element of bias.

After having experienced cupping a lot more, I can tell you I would love to see any evidence in favour of it. I know it’s a tremendous process that continues to help a lot of people. The really cool thing is there’s so many different ways to do it: you can do it dry, wet (AKA Hijama), infuse with medication, and lots of other ways!

What does that mean for you?

If cupping has been improving your overall well-being, you should continue doing it! If something is working for you in a positive way, who cares what science has to say anyways right!? That’s at least the way I see it, and not just for cupping, but for all aspects of life.

That’s A Wrap!

So is cupping good for cellulite? Not according to what science and experts have to say, at least not at this point in time. I hope you enjoyed reading and got some value out of this post. If you did, a share would be greatly appreciated!

Till next time, be safe and be well!