ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - An ancient Chinese tradition captures the attention of millions after leaving its mark at the 2016 summer Olympics Games in Rio. If you've been watching the Olympics, it's hard to miss the big spots the technique leaves on athletes, most notably gold medalist Michael Phelps. But, we learned it's not just for Olympians.
Acupuncturist and cupping practitioner Katie Clifton at Queenpin Acupuncture in Grandin Village said what may look painful feels like a light pinch.
The therapy, which stems from the Chinese culture, works like a reverse massage. Cups are warmed and placed on the back for 10 minutes. Instead of applying pressure, suction is created lifting the muscle and tissue to alleviate pain.
"It loosens the muscle, and it pulls blood and oxygen into the area which can help lubricate and loosen up a muscle," said Clifton. "It also creates an immune response. So, it makes your body say ‘hey pay attention to this point there's something going on here'."
Clifton said it's a therapy not just for elite athletes as it can help with back pain, shingles, Bell's palsy and respiratory problems, like asthma.
A number of Clifton's patients swear by the treatment, like Evelyn Arthur who had neck issues.
"She put several [cups] on the left side of my neck and down my upper back and left them for a few minutes," commented Arthur. "It wasn't painful at all. It felt really good, nice and relaxing. And the spasm just kind of went away pretty immediately after getting cupping."
Clifton said the marks come with the procedure.
"It shouldn't cause trauma to the skin," said Clifton. "It looks like trauma, but it's truly a circular hickey is what you're getting where it's pulling oxygen up and not breaking down capillaries."
Since the Olympics, business at Queenpin has picked up. Clifton believes it's a trend that's going to stick.
She has been practicing cupping for three years. She warns it's important to find somebody trained in cupping with a certificate in massage therapy and an acupuncturist license, otherwise you risk injury if the technique is not done correctly.