Traditional Chinese Cupping

What is Cupping?

Cupping is a method of using glass cups & a flame to create a vacuum that is then placed on the body, lifting the tissue upwards into the cup. This is excellent for the removal of blood stagnation and reducing muscle tension and pain. When the cups are released from the body, fresh blood enters the areas of imbalance, speeding up the healing process.

The cups are placed over the Meridian Channels increasing qi within the body and is primarily used in treating patients with back, shoulder, hip and knee problems. Systemic illnesses that have seen benefits with cupping therapy include hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, mental disorders, heart disease, hypertension, infections. It is also used in the beauty industry for reducing cellulite.

The vacuum raises a small amount of flesh which eases tension and helps to remove the stagnation of blood, reducing pain. It is effectively like a massage in reverse – a massage pushes the muscle in, whereas cupping slightly pulls it out. It has a comforting and soothing effect on the body, and is excellent at easing aches and pains, as well as lifting deep bruising.

Cupping is also used to help support the body at times when the body’s immunity is low, such as at the beginning of a common cold.
The cups will appear to leave ring marks which look like bruises, however these marks are painless and usually disappear after a few days.

Different Methods of Cupping Used.

Movement Cupping: A technique where massage oils are applied, cups are attached to the body and then slid across an area effectively like a reverse massage. It is effectively like a massage in reverse – a massage pushes the muscle in, whereas cupping slightly pulls it out. Excellent for Lymphatic Drainage.

Flash Cupping Flash cupping / Empty cupping: It involves quick repeated application of cups, with minimal retention. It reduces local congestion and stimulate circulation over a broader area.