Cupping has been used for thousands of years as a natural means of promoting healing and wellness. It’s been used to treat muscle pain and tension, colds and flus, and other health issues with suction.
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the body. These cups may be glass, silicone, or plastic.
In Fire Cupping, glass cups are used. A long set of forceps hold an alcohol-soaked cotton ball. The cotton ball is lit on fire and quickly placed into the cup so that the fire consumes the oxygen within. This creates a vacuum so that when the cotton ball is removed and the cup is placed on the person’s body, suction occurs.
Plastic cups use a hand-held device as a pump to remove the air from the inside of the cup, creating suction. Silicone cups are pliable, so suction is created by compressing them and then applying them to the body.
Cupping treatment may be done on its own but is often included as part of an acupuncture session.
What are the benefits of cupping/cup therapy?
Cupping can be used for a variety of ailments and conditions, including back pain, neck pain, joint pain, headaches and tension, colds & flus. Cupping improves circulation throughout the body and reduces inflammation. It is also a great tool for detoxifying the body
What can you expect during cupping treatment?
In stationary cupping the cups are left on the skin for anywhere from 5 – 15 minutes without moving, allowing for a suction that aids in loosening tight muscles. This is particularly effective for patients who are experiencing aches and pains as well as those suffering from chronic tension.
With moving cupping oil is applied to the skin and the cups are moved along the surface of the body, creating a massage-like feel that helps to increase blood flow to certain areas. This type of cupping is commonly used when treating muscle tension and stiffness, particularly in the back, shoulders, and neck.
Needle cupping is a cupping therapy treatment that combines acupuncture and cupping therapy. Needles are inserted into the body at specific acupuncture points and cups are placed over them. This is normally a type of detoxifying treatment. The needles open the way and the cups pull out the toxic qi.
Cupping, especially stationary cupping, can leave circular marks on the skin that look like bruises, which last for a few days afterwards. These marks are not damaging or painful and they are temporary, but you may have bragging rights at the pool.