A lot of people use cupping to help with their athletic performance or recover from sporting injuries. So, naturally a question that often comes up is, ‘Can you exercise after cupping?’
The short answer is – No. It’s not a good idea and will slow down your recovery from the cupping treatment.
Contents
Why Can’t You Exercise After Cupping?
There are a few reasons why it’s not a good idea to exercise after a cupping session. Or after any form of massage therapy for that matter.
The best thing you can do is give your body plenty of rest to recover. You’re likely to feel tired after treatment, especially if it’s your first session.
This is because cupping increases blood flow to the area being treated. Which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, giving your body some extra work and zapping some of your energy.
Another reason not to exercise is to protect the skin that has been treated from external pathogens.
The pores will be open for several hours after being cupped and the skin will feel tender as it’s been in a hot vacuum.
So the rubbing of gym clothes, sweat, the blood pumping through your muscles is only going to prolong the healing.
It’s also not advisable to shower or take a bath after cupping. If you’ve been exercising you’re going to be sweaty and feel even more uncomfortable.
Do’s and Don’ts After Cupping Therapy
Here are some of the things you should and shouldn’t do after a cupping (ventosa) session:
Do’s
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink plenty of fresh water
- Listen to your body
Don’ts
- Partake in exercise of strenuous activities within the hours afterward
- Drink alcohol
- Bathe or shower the area that’s been worked on
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.