CUPPING

Cupping is an ancient healing therapy in which cups are placed on the back, stomach, arms, legs or other parts of the body. Inside the cup, a vacuum or suction force pulls skin upward. They can be made of metal, bamboo or, more typically now-a-days, glass.

How is it done?

There are different ways to perform cupping. Sometimes the cups will stay in place for several minutes. Some treatments involve briefly moving the cups to stretch and massage the area. There are varied ways to get suction, most traditional practitioners use fire.

Cupping methods include:

Fire: the inside of each cup is heated — typically with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball that is set aflame to burn the oxygen inside. Once placed on your skin, the vacuum force pulls skin up into the cup to different intensities.

Wet: A needle or lancet is used to lightly puncture the area before, and sometimes after, cupping. Mild bleeding is expected and properly addressed.

Flash: the cups are placed and removed at a fast speed with low suction force over the same area.

What does it treat?

The technique can be used for a variety of conditions, but is best known for pain and muscular problems, muscle spasms and improving immune function

What should I expect?

Sometimes there will be discoloration on the areas treated, usually in the form of dark circles. If sliding cups, a passing sore sensation might be experienced the next day.

Did you know?

Even though cupping soared into popularity after celebrities and athletes were photographed with it's distinct circular marks, it's been found on medical texts even in the west since at least 400BC