What is Cupping?
Cupping Therapy involves heating the air inside a glass cup, which removes some of the air from the cup. The cup is then quickly placed on the skin, and the resulting vacuum pulls the skin part of the way into the cup. The cup may be left in place for several minutes and then removed, leaving behind a bright red, circular welt. The theory behind cupping is that it moves or stimulates the body’s natural energy – also called qi.
Cupping is much like the inverse of massage – rather than applying pressure to muscles, it uses gentle pressure to pull them upward. For most patients, this is a particularly relaxing and relieving sensation. Once suctioned, the cups are generally left in place for about ten minutes while the patient relaxes.
What are the benefits of Cupping?
Generally, Cupping is combined with acupuncture in one treatment, but it can also be used alone. The suction and negative pressure provided by cupping can loosen muscles, encourage blood flow, and sedate the nervous system.
Cupping can be used to treat:
- Back and neck pain
- Muscle stiffness
- Rheumatic diseases: arthritis & fibromyalgia
- Anxiety and depression
- Migraines
- High blood pressure
- Respiratory congestion: asthma, allergies & cold/flu
- Improves circulation
- Varicose veins
- Fertility and gynaecological disorders
- Toxin removal
- Cellulite treatment
How many treatments do I need?
Cupping can be done as needed. In just one session you can feel the difference in muscle tension and even cold/flu relief. In situations of weight loss and cellulite however, a series of treatments is recommended.
Each treatment lasts approximately 30 minutes.