Cupping

What is Cupping?

Cupping is the technique where heat source is briefly held within a cup to create a vacuum effect when applied on the body's surface; the heat source is removed before placing on the skin. The vacuum effect draws the skin and muscle tissue into the cup which encourages localised blood flow. The cups used on the skin vary in size and come in different type such as glass cups, plastic cups, bamboo cups, pottery cups, electromagnetic cupping and portable cupping machine; the glass and plastic cups are most commonly used.

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Different Cupping techniques

The commonly used techniques by Chinese medicine practitioners are Fixed Cupping and Mobile Cupping techniques.

 

• Fixed Cupping: involves the application of multiple cups on muscular areas of the body for approximately 5 to 10 minutes in which the cups are left stationary. 

• Mobile Cupping: involves the application of a single glass cup on a muscular area of the body and the cup is moved through gliding motion across the area. Before the cup is placed on the muscular area to be treated, oil is applied to allow for the gliding motion of the cup. 

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What to expect with cupping 

During treatment you will experience a tight sensation on the area that the cup is applied as the skin and muscle tissue is drawn upwards into the cup. After treatment, cupping will cause bruising which will resolve within a few days to a week. 

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What is cupping used for?

Cupping is used to promote blood circulation and to remove congestion/toxins in the body. It is commonly used for conditions such as pain such as muscle pain, cold/cough, stress and gastroenterological conditions; however the use of cupping for each individual depends on their current health condition. 

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