CUPPING THERAPY

Cupping Therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin. Through suction, the skin is drawn into the cup by creating a vacuum in the cup placed on the skin over the targeted area – to stimulate muscles and is particularly helpful in the treatment of aches and pains associated with various diseases. The cup is usually left in place or it is used for massage.

Cupping helps treat pain, deep scar tissues in the muscles and connective tissue, muscle knots, and swelling.

What is cupping?

Cupping is a form of therapy that originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. It has been used in the West for decades to encourage healing.

Cupping is almost like a deep tissue massage with suction and decompression. Chinese medical practitioners believe cupping helps keep the body in balance, increases overall blood flow and reduces pain. Some athletes use this type of therapy to decrease muscle recovery time.

How does cupping work? 

Cupping uses a cup to pull an area of skin into a suction that decompresses muscles and connective tissue.

This promotes blood flow to the compromised area, enhances circulation and helps to increase the body’s own healing processes — almost like a backward deep tissue massage.

There are different types of cups: glass, plastic and silicone and two popular types of cupping: stationary and sliding.

Stationary cupping uses suction only, keeping the cups in place for a set time, usually 5 to 15 minutes.

Sliding cupping is more like a deep tissue massage where the provider moves the cups over the area of pain or concern. Cupping massage stimulates circulation and lymph flow, helps eliminate toxins, firms and tones the skin, and smooths the fascia to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Which conditions respond to cupping?

Cupping is especially effective at treating pain and muscle aches. Applying cups to specific acupressure points may also help alleviate digestive complaints, skin issues and respiratory problems.

After the stimulation of suction the local congestion or blood stasis phenomenon increases blood circulation, qi, and can reduce swelling.

Another healing aspect of cupping therapy is through the release of toxins in the 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.

Instead of using medication to achieve a certain outcome, we use cupping to help trigger the body’s own healing mechanisms.

Is there anyone who should NOT get cupping?

There are a few conditions and situations where cupping is not appropriate. If you’re on high doses of blood thinners, or if you are thin, frail or have fragile skin, cupping is not appropriate. Similarly, if you have active cancer, skin trauma or a blood disorder, you should stay away from it until your circumstances change. In any case, always share your medication list and health history with your practitioner before a session.

Cupping Therapy Pricing