3616: Does Cupping Really Work?
December 30, 2025
3616: Does Cupping Really Work?
December 30, 2025
TWT:
How would you like to improve your recovery and heart rate variability by up to 37% without adding more training?
On today’s episode, I break down fascinating new research showing how a traditional therapy many people overlook may significantly improve recovery, autonomic nervous system balance, and HRV, especially in athletes and active individuals.
I walk you through what the research actually found (and what it didn’t) and also explore how cupping works physiologically, the importance of proper suction intensity, and exactly how often it needs to be done to see benefits.
So join me on today’s Cabral Concept 3616 to learn whether cupping might be a missing piece in your recovery routine.
Enjoy the show!
Show Highlights & Big Takeaways
1. Improves Recovery, Not Performance: Research shows that cupping significantly improves recovery—not performance metrics. While cupping doesn’t directly increase strength or endurance, it can dramatically improve HRV, recovery speed, and nervous system balance, allowing the body to bounce back faster between workouts.
2. Proper Technique is Important: High-suction cupping (around 400 mmHg), performed for about 15 minutes, twice per week, was required to see benefits. Low-suction devices did not produce the same recovery improvements.
3. Cupping and The Parasympathetic Nervous System: By improving circulation, lymphatic flow, and calming the stress response, cupping helps shift the body out of fight-or-flight, supporting better recovery, resilience, and overall nervous system health—especially during periods of high stress or training.
Links From This Episode
