Cupping
Relax and Restore
Cupping is an essential treatment modality of Chinese Medicine and has been used for centuries. It is a practice that was used by the Egyptians and the Greeks, eventually spreading in ancient cultures to many countries of Europe and even America. Recently, athletes and celebrities are getting cupping therapy and proudly show off the “marks” in public.
Cupping provides many health benefits and is an especially pleasant and relaxing experience. Cupping involves the use of small glass cups, therapeutically placed on the skin, to suction the deep tissue beneath. Gently pulling the muscles upward, Cupping is much like an inverse massage and is one of the best deep tissue therapies available. The suction action of the cups increases warmth, encourages healthy blood circulation, and helps flush built up toxins. The cups, once applied, can be left in place or slid along the affected area for a deeper and wide ranging relieving effect. Cupping is usually accompanied by feelings of relief and lightness in the areas treated.
The cupping “marks” you may have seen after a treatment are NOT bruises. They are the result of stagnant blood rising to the surface from the suction, indicating a movement of toxins and are a sign of positive healing. The ranging color of the marks point to differing issues of stagnation, toxicity, and Qi depletion. If cupping marks do show up, they will typically disappear on their own after a few days.
The many benefits of Cupping are:
Reduces muscle tightness and soreness
Relieves chronic or acute pain
Improves mobility and speeds up recovery from strenuous exercise
Strengthens the immune system and digestion
Clears congestion from the common cold and often used for a beginning stage of a cold
Treats cough, phlegm, and helps control asthma and bronchitis
Reduces anxiety, stress, and improves energy
Aids in stimulating the Lymphatic system and eliminating toxins from the body
I will combine gentle Cupping with Tui Na (Chinese Massage). Tui Na utilizes techniques such as rolling, brushing, kneading, and pressing to stimulate acupressure points to further increase relaxation and relieve pain. Cupping therapy can be used as an adjunct treatment with Acupuncture or as its own calming and effective therapy.
