Has anyone ever tried using these Chinese cups? I have one hip and thigh that is very tight, and painful, and I was thinking of trying what he's demonstrating here.

http://www.functionalpatterns.com/20...ectus-femoris/

I did have an Acupuncturist who use vacuum cupping on my back for tight muscles which were causing pain. It hurt like the dickens, and left hickeys on my back, but it was effective. I hope it helps you.

I tried it once and thought it was a bunch of BS

I almost ordered some just for the heck of it, but changed my mind.

Let us know if you try it and how it works for you.

I'm sure it is better to have for yourself than go pay for sessions.. Most things like this take more than a single session I'm sure.

Cupping works. However, I'm not so sure about the method used in the video. My chiro is from Taiwan and he has a medical grade cupping setup with electric vacuum (vs hand pump). When he does the cupping, the cups are not left in on vacuumed state like in the video (the vacuum cycles). The fascia is cupped about 1 second at a time. The goal is to release adhesions and fascia perpendicular to the skin. He also practices the Graston technique which uses tools to release adhesions and fascia parallel to the skin. He uses both techniques on me to release to really stubborn trigger points.

I asked him about the system he uses and he said it is not sold in the US and is not for home use.

I just found this good vacuum cupping video. It sounds like there's a lot of benefits you can get from it. She says it's especially good for old scars and injuries. It helps improve the blood flow and release adhesions. I think I might have to try this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Mlw7u0H7ZE

That better reflects my experience even though she is using a hand pump.