Stretching in Yoga: Cupping gets the tissue moving again

Stretching in yoga is often associated with the desire to go deeper into a to get into position. Maybe you also know this feeling of wanting to go wanting to go a little further. At the same time, the actual change happens not only in the posture itself, but in the tissue. Fascia reacts to stress, they store tension and lose elasticity without regular movement elasticity. Stretching is therefore less a question of intensity, but rather a question of quality in the tissue.

Decreasing elasticity in the tissue

Many people experience that they at some point no longer making progress or quickly hitting a limit. This can can be frustrating. Often the cause is not in the muscle itself, but in the fascial structures. When the tissue is moved little, it loses Elasticity, becomes denser and less permeable. The exchange of fluid slows down, tensions remain.

You can imagine it like a calm, still body of water. Without Movement flows little. It is similar in the tissue. Everything feels feels heavier and less mobile. Stretches are then often perceived as perceived as strenuous or unpleasant without anything really changes. Quickly, the impression arises that one must work even more intensively. This can actually increase resistance in the body.

What Cupping changes in the tissue

Here, Cupping can be a gentle support. The tissue is gently lifted by the negative pressure and begins to to move. Skin and fascia and also deeper structures can thus more easily get into sliding. More space is created and the exchange in the tissue is stimulated. Areas that felt tight gradually become more permeable. Cupping works not through more pressure, but through relief. The stretch develops from what changes in the tissue. Mobility arises where structures are allowed to give way again. Everyone The body brings its own conditions with it. There are natural limits that cannot be shifted arbitrarily, and that is completely Order. Often, small impulses are enough to get something moving. The The body responds to subtle stimuli. It is not about going as deep as possible into a to get into position. Much more important is to stay within your own range of motion and giving the body time to adjust.

Stretching in practice: When the body really gives in

In practice, Cupping is often used directly with stretch positions combined. The application can be especially pleasant in a forward bend. The Cups are placed on the back where you tension you feel, for example in the lower back or the transition to the shoulder neck area. While you stay in the position, the suction lifts the gently on the tissue. Areas that previously felt tight can begin to give way. The movement often feels smoother and more flowing also. Cupping can support lateral stretches of the upper body. When the Cups are placed along the lateral trunk muscles or in the rib area is applied, the stretch can spread further in the body. Regions that are otherwise hard to reach are more easily included.

The movement becomes clear and free. Many people know the impulse to actively engage in stretches to assist or force something. This is where an important difference. With Cupping, the change does not come from pressure, but from the tissue. It is not about increasing the range of motion, not to force, but to notice when your body is ready to let go. Often it is less is more. What matters is that your tissue feels safe and can respond accordingly.

Stefanie Arend is an author, trainer, and coach for Yin Yoga. You can also attend her courses online:

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Learn more about the combination of Cupping and Yoga and which other aspects of yoga practice can benefit from the Cups:

[1] Application only on intact skin; avoid sensitive or inflamed areas; if unclear before use, seek medical advice. Further information on safe use: https://www.bellabambi.de/pages/yoga