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Cupping

Cupping is an age-old method used in Chinese medicine treatment to facilitate energy (qi) flow, enhance blood circulation, disperse blood, qi, and other forms of blockages, extract excess wind, heat, cold or toxicities out of the body by creating a strong suction, pulling effect when a cup makes contact with the body. With cupping one feels a strong pressure over a large area of the body in contrast to the sharp, prickly sensation of the acupuncture needle to a point in the body. 

 

Cupping is generally not painful, however very sensitive people may feel slight discomfort produced by the strong pressurized suction of the cups. Pain or discomfort is relative depending on each individual's capacity for tolerance. For many people, cupping feels like a wonderful deep massage. Cupping is suitable for most people, however cupping is not recommended for very young children. ​

Therapeutic functions

  • Stressed, tight muscles especially in the back

  • Facial paralysis

  • Great for overall stress relief

  • Cold, flu, fevers

  • Persistent cough with respiratory congestion

  • Chest tightness

  • Blood poisoning, infections

  • Skin conditions, boils, rashes

  • Draw out blood toxins

  • Excessive cold, heat, or wind invasion

  • Frozen shoulder or neck

  • Stuffiness or blockage in ears

  • Sinus congestion

  • Relieve pain, improve circulation

  • And more . .

Cupping Treatment
Cupping therapy

Normal side effects

  • Bruising is a normal side effect of cupping and and is expected to happen as bruising is a positive sign that the cupping is effective. No bruising or very light bruising is not a good sign, this indicates that the suction was not strong enough to effect blood and energy circulation or to facilitate a certain intended purpose. Bruising typically goes away within a week.

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  • Bleeding can happen during cupping in an area where there might be a pre-existing micro-lesion in the skin and the pressure of the cups can break open the skin and draw out blood. If an abnormal area of the skin is visible, we would avoid cupping over that area. Generally bleeding during cupping is very rare unless we intentionally induce bleeding such as in treating toxic infections.​

Cupping can be administered as a stand-alone session or in conjunction with acupuncture. If you would like to have a cupping session, please see us for a consultation so that we can recommend the proper treatment for you.

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