Cupping Therapy

What is cupping?

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation, energy movement, and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. It has been used in China over thousand years. Now, it gets so much attention due to those Olympic athletes having cupping marks on their bodies for its effectiveness and powerful benefits. I use it on most of my clients as part of their treatment.

What are the benefits?

There are many benefits from cupping, which is why clients keep coming back for more after their first session. First, cupping releases muscle fascia and body pain wherever it is placed, which means muscles are looser and more relaxed, which increases range of motion in that area of the body. This in turn helps to ease pain in that area of the body. Second, cupping can help to remove harmful substances and toxins from the body to promote healing. Third, it removes stress off the body and calms the nervous system.  Moreover, cupping creates a deep state of relaxation and looseness, which benefits people with an over active mind, anxiety, depression, stress and sleep issues. And last, it moves stuck energy. For those of you receiving cupping along with acupuncture, cupping is great to move stuck energy and to re-balance the body, which helps to heal a variety of ailments plaguing the body.

Does cupping hurt?

Cupping does not hurt, People may feel uncomfortable but it's similar as a deep tissue massage, which varies from person to person. Usually I tell my clients to let me know when it’s too much so that I can adjust the suction to make sure it’s tolerable.

What is the deal with the bruises or cupping marks?

Bruising occurs with the first few treatments of cupping. Depending on the body conditions, the intensity of bruising varies among people. This bruising is caused by toxins being brought to the surface and the muscle fascia being released. These bruises typically do not hurt to the touch because they are superficial bruises, not ones you get when something physically traumatic happens to the body. Bruises last any where from 3-5 days but go away faster each time you receive cupping.

Does cupping really work?

For most people who has tried it, cupping works great. My family and I personally love being cupped – After cupping, you feel looser, calmer, lighter and more balanced. If you have any curiosities about cupping, the best thing to do is try it first hand and you will know how great and effective it really is.