Cupping Therapy
Cupping is an ancient Chinese method for detoxification. It moves energy (qi) and blood and opens the pores of the skin, thus precipitating the removal of pathogens and toxins through the skin itself.
Cups are applied to certain acupuncture points, as well as to regions of the body. The cups are heated to create a suction effect on the skin, which promotes flow of the blood and lymph and brakes up stagnant qi. Cups can be applied as stationary cups or as sliding cups, depending on the health needs of the patient.
There are several of methods of cupping. The two most common are ‘fixed or static cupping’ and ‘moving or sliding cupping’. I also use ‘flash cupping’ when it is necessary.
Fixed (stationary) cupping
Cups are placed on a selected area of your body and then left in place without being moved.
Moving (sliding) cupping
Cups are moved around a particular region of the body, most commonly the back. The cups slide easily because the skin will be lubricated by oil at the beginning of the procedure.
Flash cupping
The cups are placed on areas of your body, removed, and then replaced in a different area in quick succession.
Cupping therapy is generally recommended for:
Cups are applied to certain acupuncture points, as well as to regions of the body. The cups are heated to create a suction effect on the skin, which promotes flow of the blood and lymph and brakes up stagnant qi. Cups can be applied as stationary cups or as sliding cups, depending on the health needs of the patient.
There are several of methods of cupping. The two most common are ‘fixed or static cupping’ and ‘moving or sliding cupping’. I also use ‘flash cupping’ when it is necessary.
Fixed (stationary) cupping
Cups are placed on a selected area of your body and then left in place without being moved.
Moving (sliding) cupping
Cups are moved around a particular region of the body, most commonly the back. The cups slide easily because the skin will be lubricated by oil at the beginning of the procedure.
Flash cupping
The cups are placed on areas of your body, removed, and then replaced in a different area in quick succession.
Cupping therapy is generally recommended for:
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Benefits include:
- Strengthened immunity
- Strengthened lung function
- Reduced inflammation
- Calming of the nervous system
- Stretching muscles and connective tissue
- Improved blood flow
- Optimize athletic abilities
- Improve overall wellbeing
After cupping you should expect some circular purplish discolorations which will fade after a couple of days. These purple marks are evidence of internal stagnation and congestion brought to the surface of the skin. The discolorations will become less noticeable as flow of blood, lymph, and qi improves. No pain or tenderness is typically felt during or following a cupping treatment, whether or not discolorations appear on the skin.
The earliest recorded use of cupping came from the famous alchemist and herbalist, Ge Hong (281-341 A.D.), who popularized the saying “Acupuncture and cupping, more than half of the ills cured.” Cupping was originally used as a supplement to traditional Chinese surgery. It later developed into a therapeutic method of disease treatment. Nowadays, cupping is endorsed by professional Football Players and Olympic Swimmers. Many celebrities, such as Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Simpson and Lady Gaga are fans of cupping.