CUPPING THERAPIES

Cupping is not just for athletes. It's an old therapy used by many to relieve muscular and fascial tension brought on by stress, work and daily life.

Why do you get marks or skin discoloration? Does it hurt?

Stationary cupping, when the cups are left on the skin for a length of time, can leave rings and circles due to blood moving to the surface. This process can create some discomfort or pain as it creates a vacuum suctioning up the skin. The pressure influences the intensity level, however many describe the sensation as a slight pinch. Some marks can be darker than others, the darker the color the more effective that cupping point was for the client. Results are immediate and lasting, with the marks and discoloration fading in about a week. Despite any initial discomfort, many recipients describe cupping as relaxing and therapeutic. The pulling action engages the parasympathetic nervous system allowing, deep relaxation throughout body.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE FIRE CUPPING

Although there are several ways to facilitate stationary cupping therapy, fire cupping is most traditionally used. By quickly heating the inside of the cup with fire, suction is created when placed on the skin. Typically, 4 to 6 cups are used adhering to the skin for about 15 to 20 minutes. According to Acupuncture Today, "The negative pressure created by the suction stimulates the local acupuncture point, this increases the Qi and blood flow through the meridian to loosen up tight muscles, to relieve pain, and to detoxify and re-balance organ function."

Fire cupping is most commonly used on the back, neck and shoulders.

CUPPING MASSAGE

What is the difference between Fire Cupping and Cupping Massage?

With fire cupping, cups are placed onto one location of the body and left there. This process is helpful to treat certain acupuncture points, specific areas of imbalance or tension, and rounded areas where suction would be lost if the cups were moved.

Moving cupping, on the other hand, involves an oil or lotion that is placed on the body, allowing the cup, with suction remaining engaged, to be moved over a larger area. Moving cupping is a great way to cover a larger area of the body, predominately on the back, to treat conditions locally, as well as in other areas of the body.