Cupping Therapy

Cupping is an ancient Chinese method used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)  to remove stagnation and stimulate the flow of vital energy (Qi). TCM teaches that it is the stagnation of Qi and blood that causes pain and disease. Cupping invigorates local circulation of Qi and blood in the area being treated, resolving swelling, pain, and tension. Additionally, by drawing impurities to the surface, it removes toxins. 

A therapeutic cupping treatment involves warming and placing cups, usually made of glass, on the skin. By warming the air within the cup, a vacuum is created, and when applied to the skin, the suction causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be lightly drawn into the cup. This increases blood flow, loosens the fascia or connective tissue, and is thought to stimulate healing. The cups are placed at acupuncture points along an energy meridian on the back, neck, or shoulders or at the site of pain. Sliding cupping may also be used- this is traditionally performed on large muscle groups of the back to treat pain and muscle spasms, and involves the cup being slid across the area being treated. One may feel a tight sensation in the area of the cups which, for most patients, is a relaxing and relieving sensation. 

The suction and pressure provided by cupping can loosen muscles, encourage blood and lymph circulation, decrease inflammation, and sedate the nervous system (which makes it an excellent treatment for high blood pressure). It improves blood circulation by attracting immune cells to that location to increase the repair and recovery process. Cupping is used to relieve headaches, back and neck pains, stiff muscles, fatigue and even cellulite. 

Cupping is one of the best deep-tissue therapies available. It is thought to affect tissues up to four inches deep from the external skin. Toxins can be released, blockages cleared, and veins and arteries can be refreshed within these four inches of the treatment area. Even hands, wrists, legs, and ankles can be ‘cupped,' thus applying the healing to specific organs that correlate with these points.

This treatment is also valuable for the lungs, and can clear congestion from a common cold or to help control the symptoms of asthma. In fact, respiratory conditions are one of the most common maladies that cupping is used to relieve. Three thousand years ago, in the earliest Chinese documentation of cupping, it was recommended for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.

While cupping on its own may be most beneficial, the best and most long-lasting relief comes from a combination of acupuncture and cupping.

Cupping may cause temporary bruising and soreness, depending upon the degree of suction created by the vacuum and the level of internal stagnation. According to TCM, this would be a favourable outcome, suggesting the treatment has successfully removed toxins and stagnation. However, for patients with bleeding disorders such as haemophilia or who are being treated with anticoagulants, cupping may not be the best treatment option. 

Please contact us for further information regarding cupping’s suitability for you.