Cupping

Cupping has been around since ancient times - for about 5,000 years to be exact. It is believed to have originated in Egypt and became popular among the Chinese. Similar to acupuncture and acupressure, it is believed to relieve certain symptoms and conditions when applied to key points of the body.

Some of the treatments are mild and cause only mild discomfort whereas there are those that are more serious and applied to a more intense session. It has a wide range of benefits for your health and wellness. Some of these include promoting muscle relaxation and improving immunity.

Benefits of Cupping

Pain Relief

Cupping helps soften the tissue with applied pressure to stagnant areas. This increases the blood flow which will allow for essential nutrients as well as oxygen to get to the tissue.

Promote Relaxation

Chronic stress and mental fatigue can lead to anxiety and depression. It is important to take time to relax and relieve the tension that accumulates in your day to day life.

Relieve Respiratory Symptoms

Cupping helps stimulate vital organs, including the lungs, which helps to speed up healing, clear out phlegm, and even relieve allergy symptoms. It can improve your immune function due to the movement of blood and lymphatic fluid.

Quickens the Healing Process

Cupping helps heal injuries more quickly because it reduces inflammation. Blood is drawn up to the affected areas, bringing nutrient-rich blood to assist in healing.

Detoxify the Body

Cupping can help to release toxins that build up in the tissues due to the promotion of better circulation. The toxins are then excreted by the lymphatic system.

Helps Skin Conditions

Cupping can help numerous skin conditions, including cellulite, by increasing the local metabolism and circulation in the area.

Anti-Aging Effect

Cupping improves circulation allowing more essential nutrients and oxygen to get to your skin, increasing collagen production for healthier skin while aging naturally.

Helps Digestive Disorders

Cupping can help with digestive disorders by reducing symptoms and lowering the stress response linked to digestive functioning.

What to Expect

The cups can be placed or moved around the body with varying amounts of suction. This suction then creates a raising of the skin and draws the blood to the surface. The pressure felt will be determined by the amount of suction. When moved, it can feel very similar to a normal massage.

When stagnant, at first one might feel pressure and slight pain but as it sits the pressure and pain dissipate. Cupping marks may appear on skin. The mark isn't a bruise since it is not a result of an injury towards the blood vessels. The mark is just from the fluids moving from the tissues towards the surface of the skin.

The marks will go away anywhere between 3-15 days. After a session, re-hydrating with lots of fluids can help get rid of the marks faster.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Those taking anticoagulants should get physician approval due to potential bruising.
  • Cannot be performed on an empty stomach - eat a light meal 1.5 hours prior.
  • Not advised for open wounds, sunburns, acute inflammations, or fresh scars.
  • Pregnant women only up to 6 months can have light to medium cupping.
  • Contraindicated for recent heart attack patients (within 6 months), stage 4 cancer, hemophilia, and other blood disorders.