Cupping therapy is an ancient form of Chinese Medicine modality in which our practitioner puts special glass cups on your skin for a few minutes, creating suction. Cupping can aid many conditions including pain and inflammation, providing blood flow to the area resulting in relaxation and well-being, some patients see it as a type of deep-tissue massage as well.
While the cups are on your skin, they loosen and lift your connective tissues, which increases blood and lymph flow to your skin and muscles. The targeted blood flow brings oxygen-rich blood and lymph to the affected area and your lymphatic system is responsible for clearing the cellular waste and toxins from your body.
WILL I GET THOSE RED CIRCULAR BRUISES?
Producing temporary ‘red marks’ during cupping treatments is inevitable and it is proof that blood was moving around the area. It’s important to note that these marks are not bruising, as bruises are caused by impact trauma that breaks capillaries in the injured area. The red marks are a result of the blood being pulled into that area and the darker the mark, the more stagnant fluids (toxins, blood and lymph) were dredged up during treatment.
These marks typically last for a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the individual’s metabolism and circulation.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CUPPING?
Some of the benefits of cupping include:
– Deep tissue work and release without discomfort
– Moves stagnation and drains fluids in the deep tissue
– Relieves Inflammation
– Nervous System Sedation
– Breaks Up and Expels Congestion
– Stretches Muscle and Connective Tissues
– Loosens Adhesions
– Pulls blood supply to the Skin
– Facilitates the movement of Qi and Blood systemically and locally
– Dispels wind, damp and cold to treat muscle and joint pain, stiffness, and arthritis
– Strengthens the immune system by promoting the flow of lymphatic fluid
– Treats excess heat conditions, fever, stress, depression and anxiety
– Cleans the blood and lymph and helps to balance PH levels
(Article Reference Cupping Therapy, 2006 Link)