Cupping
What is Cupping?
Cupping therapy is a form of ancient medicine that originated in China. It is based on the belief that certain health conditions are generally caused by stagnant blood and poor energy flow through the body.
To fix or prevent health issues, I apply cups at specific points of your skin to create suction. The pressure from the suction helps draw blood to the particular area and increases blood flow. Increasing blood flow helps relieve muscle tension, improves blood circulation, and reduces inflammation.
Like acupuncture, cupping is based on the meridian theory of the body. It involves placing cups on specific acupoints to improve energy flow within the body. Doing so helps rejuvenate certain meridians and organs that are not in optimal condition.
How does cupping help??
As well as relaxing the nervous system and treating issues that are causing you pain, inflammation and emotional distress, cupping also improves the flow of energy, blood and other bodily fluids, supporting the body's self-healing abilities to address a variety of health conditions, including:
Backaches, neck, shoulder and knee pain
Gastrointestinal disorders
Cold, asthma and other respiratory problems
Headaches and migraines
Anxiety and depression
Muscle spasms
Allergies
Hypertension
Skin conditions
Poor immune system
Lung diseases
How does it work? And what to expect
The cups are made from glass, bamboo, earthenware, or silicone. There are two different methods of cupping: dry and wet.
For both cupping methods, I put a flammable substance on fire. As the fire is applied to the cup, it is applied to the skin upside-down. A vacuum is created as the air inside the cup gets cold and causes the skin to rise and redden because of the expansion of the blood vessels. The cup is applied to the skin for up to 3 minutes.
In wet cupping, I create a small incision on the skin before placing the cup. This helps the cup to suction and draw a small quantity of blood. It is believed that the blood drawn contains the impurities and toxins in the body.
Before the cupping session begins, I apply oil to your back to relax your muscles and make gliding the cups easy. I then soak a cotton ball in alcohol, light it on fire and rub it on the inside of the cups to remove the air before placing them on your back.
Only the part of the body being treated during the session is exposed. If you have legs treated, you must wear a pair of shorts. If cupping is to be done on your back, I will ensure I am out of the room while you remove your top and provide you with a towel so you are properly covered.
Depending on the cupping method used, the session can run for 5 to 15 minutes. Afterwards, I apply an antibiotic ointment and bandage on the affected skin to prevent infection.
NOTE: Cupping may leave circular marks or bruises on your skin that could last a couple of weeks.