Cupping Therapy

Chinese medicine practitioners have been using cupping for thousands of years to treat a wide range of health problems. 

 

Cupping Therapy is a form of alternative medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin with the application of cups. It is designed to help the body reduce inflammation by using suction. Cupping enhances blood flow, reduces stiffness and helps with pain.

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The benefits of cupping include local pain relief and muscle relaxation. For athletes, cupping may help increase blood flow to a particular muscle region or help reduce pain.

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Frequently asked questions

What is cupping?

Cups are hollowed cylinders that sit on the skin, to which vacuum is applied in order to decompress the muscle layer underneath. Traditionally made of glass and using a flame to create vacuum, our clinic now uses plastic cups and a vacuum pump to achieve the same effect.



How does cupping work?

A muscle can be manipulated in different ways. Massage tends to push and knead the muscle fibers. Cupping lifts and decompress the muscle. This allows more space between the muscle and the skeleton for fresh blood and oxygen to circulate.



Does cupping hurt?

The tension can be adjusted but generally feels like the skin and muscle is being stretched.



Does cupping leave marks?

Sometimes; this all depends on skin type, muscle tightness, cup tension, and how much time they stay. If theirs a reddish or purplish mark left over, it’s usually for a few days.



Can I just get cupping?

Sure! I feel acupuncture does most of the job and generally just use cupping as an addendum or finishing technique, but some people are still not up for trying acupuncture.



Does cupping remove toxins?

Cupping encourages tissues to release toxins and gives the body a boost in releasing those toxins. Focused blood flow helps the body by flushing built-up toxins through the lymphatic system which is responsible for eliminating your body's toxins and waste.



How often should I do cupping?

The typical duration of the cupping treatment varies from 15 to 25 minutes. Treatments can be done on a daily basis for acute problems and every other day for more chronic conditions.



Why are my cupping marks so dark?

Depending on the amount of suction and the state of the underlying tissues, cupping can leave circular marks on the skin that range from a light yellow to pinkish red to dark purple. From an acupuncture perspective, the darker the marks, the more stagnation and blood in that area.



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