Cupping...not to be confused with Spooning

When Jim and I first got married - he used to ask if he could "cup" with me. I said do you mean "spoon".  He was like whatever, it's some kitchen utensil right?  He was a little confused - but more on cupping in a minute.

Now, an update on my back.  My run Saturday kind of got my back all out of whack again :(   I saw my chiropractor yesterday and he was like "wow, your back is really bad, wow I didn't expect your SI Joint to be so locked up" - is this supposed to make me feel better?  Anyway, I'm continuing to keep doing what I can.  I know it's something I'm going to have to deal with over the next few months.  So frustrating.  I am signed up for a 4 mile run this weekend.  Hopefully it will go well.  But I may have to scale back to biking and swimming only - we shall see.  I know getting back in the pool will help strengthen my back muscles ....however, I had this very interesting thing done during my massage on Saturday - Cupping - has anyone ever heard of this or had it done?  It's very, very interesting and it leaves large reddish/purple circles all down your back which the therapist said could last for up to 2 weeks.  My husband Jim said, please honey don't go swimming, people will think you are a freak or have something seriously wrong with you.  They have faded quite a bit already, so I'm hoping I can swim on Thursday.


This is exactly what my back looked like

 So what is cupping?  It's an ancient Chinese therapy using glass or plastic cups to create localized pressure by a vacuum.  The vacuum inside the cups causes the blood to form in the area and help the healing in that area.  Another healing aspect of cupping therapy is through the release of toxins in your body.  The suction from the cups can penetrate deep into your tissues causing the tissues to release harmful toxins.  It triggers the lymphatic system, clears the blood vessels, and stretches and activates the skin.  It's a very interesting process.  I thought it was kind of painful, but I guess some people find it relaxing.


See, doesn't that look relaxing?  Ouch!

Anyway, it wasn't a cure all for my back, but it was worth a shot.  How about you guys, have you ever had any weird therapies or treatments for pain?