What is cupping therapy?
Cupping is a less well known therapy of Chinese medicine compared to Acupuncture and Chinese herbs, however it can be used to great effect to help with a variety of health conditions. It involves the application of either glass or plastic suction cups along on specific acupuncture points, meridians or strategic locations to "draw out the toxin" from the body. Cupping therapy can be used alone or in conjunction with acupuncture.
Cupping is a less well known therapy of Chinese medicine compared to Acupuncture and Chinese herbs, however it can be used to great effect to help with a variety of health conditions. It involves the application of either glass or plastic suction cups along on specific acupuncture points, meridians or strategic locations to "draw out the toxin" from the body. Cupping therapy can be used alone or in conjunction with acupuncture.
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What is Cupping for ?
Cupping is commonly used for the following conditions:
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How does Cupping work?
Traditionally, the practitioner placed glass, bamboo or ceramic jars containing reduced air pressure (suction) on the patient's body. The vacuum in the cup draws up the skin inside the cup and anchors the cup. It does not hurt. When the skin gets sucked up and rises under the cup the blood rushes up. Several cups can be used at the same treatment session depending on the patient's condition and what the treatment is to achieve.
It has been found that cupping affects the body up to four inches into the tissues, acting like deep tissue massage. This effect is believed to open up the skin's pores, improve circulation, activate the lymphatic system, drain excess fluids and toxins, loosen adhesions and lift connective tissue, bring blood flow to stagnant skin and muscles and stimulate the peripheral nervous system. That is why patient feels it was so relax and the pain has gone after receiving cupping treatment.
Traditionally, the practitioner placed glass, bamboo or ceramic jars containing reduced air pressure (suction) on the patient's body. The vacuum in the cup draws up the skin inside the cup and anchors the cup. It does not hurt. When the skin gets sucked up and rises under the cup the blood rushes up. Several cups can be used at the same treatment session depending on the patient's condition and what the treatment is to achieve.
It has been found that cupping affects the body up to four inches into the tissues, acting like deep tissue massage. This effect is believed to open up the skin's pores, improve circulation, activate the lymphatic system, drain excess fluids and toxins, loosen adhesions and lift connective tissue, bring blood flow to stagnant skin and muscles and stimulate the peripheral nervous system. That is why patient feels it was so relax and the pain has gone after receiving cupping treatment.
What about the mark left after cupping?
After the cups are placed on the body for the desired period of time, they are removed and obviously the suction will leave a red mark on the skin. The interesting fact though is that if the person is really healthy, then the redness will dissipate very quickly with the skin returning to its normal colour, usually within minutes or hours.
However, if the person is suffering from ill health, injury, or Qi and blood blockages, then when the cup is removed, it's very likely that there will be some type of bruising mark left on the skin. And this will resolve in a few days rather than a few hours.
After the cups are placed on the body for the desired period of time, they are removed and obviously the suction will leave a red mark on the skin. The interesting fact though is that if the person is really healthy, then the redness will dissipate very quickly with the skin returning to its normal colour, usually within minutes or hours.
However, if the person is suffering from ill health, injury, or Qi and blood blockages, then when the cup is removed, it's very likely that there will be some type of bruising mark left on the skin. And this will resolve in a few days rather than a few hours.
What is facial cupping?
Although they’re based on the same principle of restoration, facial and body cupping are executed differently. Facial cups are typically smaller and softer. They’re used to gently pull the skin away from deeper layers of fascia, which increases blood flow to the area and rejuvenates the skin without leaving cup marks behind. Over times this practice improves the complexion and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Although they’re based on the same principle of restoration, facial and body cupping are executed differently. Facial cups are typically smaller and softer. They’re used to gently pull the skin away from deeper layers of fascia, which increases blood flow to the area and rejuvenates the skin without leaving cup marks behind. Over times this practice improves the complexion and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.