Cupping

Cupping is an age-old therapeutic method that involves applying suction to the skin. When a vacuum effect is created inside of the cup, the skin and underlying tissues are lifted into the empty space. Not only does the treatment feel good in the moment, its lasting effects can help to foster healing and improve health.

From a Chinese Medicine Perspective

Pain and tension are explained in Chinese Medicine as blockages or stagnation of qi and blood in the channels. Cupping helps to move this stagnation and regain a better flow, decreasing pain.

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Additionally, the Bladder channel runs in two lines next to the spine from the neck to the sacrum. This part of the channel is composed of acupoints associated with all of the major organs in the body. Cupping the back stimulates these acupoints, promoting overall health and balance.

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The immune system can also be triggered with cupping therapy and traditionally cupping has been used to ward off colds and flu in the early stages of getting sick.

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From a Conventional Medicine or Western Perspective

Cupping therapy can stimulate an immune response in the body by creating tiny micro-traumas called petechiae, or broken blood vessels in the superficial skin layers. This encourages the body to heal the area by bringing fresh blood flow, immune cells, and other healing reinforcements. This means the body not only heals the cupping marks, but also the muscle pain and tension that indicated the use of the therapy in the first place.

One way to think of this concept is considering cupping as a "controlled burn"; instigating small, superficial and painless micro-injuries (that don't overwhelm the body) sparks the healing process to occur in areas we are specifically targeting.

The benefits of cupping include:

• Pain Relief (from new or old injuries)

• Improved Blood Flow

• Muscle Relaxation

• Reduction of Inflammation

• Detoxification (from environmental and pharmaceutical toxins stored in muscles)

• Stress Relief​​​​

Generally, cupping feels really good. Many patients report the feeling as a "Reverse Massage" since the skin and muscle layers are pulled up into the cups (instead of being pushed down in massage). Your acupuncturist should ask you for feedback about the intensity of the sensation and they will be able to lighten the pressure for you if it's too intense.

Most people have "cupping marks" after their treatment. While you might think of these marks as "bruises", they are actually something different. Learn all about cupping marks, what they mean, and how to help them fade here!

Many patients feel relaxed and report a sense of relief during and after the treatment, outweighing any initial discomfort. Muscle tension often eases immediately and if you are used to living in a constant state of stress, you might enjoy feeling your nervous system in its calmer, "rest and digest" state.​

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