Cupping Therapy

  • During Cupping Therapy a mild vacuum is created inside glass 'cups', which are then placed on the skin to provide gentle suction. The vacuum effect of the cups creates suction that softens tissues and increases the circulation of qi, blood,and fluids. By stimulating the skin and underlying muscles, it helps release area-specific toxins that have accumulated and encourages circulation of both blood and lymph vessels.
  • Cupping can be used on the neck, shoulders, back, sacral area, hip, abdomen, thigh, upper arms, calves, and in some cases even the forehead or the soles of the feet, depending on the condition. The sensation of cupping is often characterized as deeply warm and relaxing. Many people find it profoundly relaxing. It releases rigid soft tissue and stubborn knots. Contracted, tense and painful muscle tissue will soften quickly with just a few minutes of cupping.
  • Cupping Therapy has been used for historically not only in China, but also the Middle East, Greece and Russia. Its use is now quite widespread, and even 'fashionable', with celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow showing of the marks left by cupping therapy.
  • Side-effects
  • - Visible marks
  • Some people have described these as looking as though you have been attacked by a giant octopus! The marks look similar to 'love-bites' and are circular or, in the case of massage cupping, 'streaky'. People can respond quite differently so it is hard to say how prominent they will be.
  • These marks disappear within 2 - 10 days, and with in some cases will barely be present at all.
  • The amount, intensity and duration of coloration is importantand should be observed. Bright red is healthy and will usually disappear very quickly.
  • Darker Red and Purpley colors indicate Stagnation or Excess conditions in the client, and the treatment should be repeated along with other therapy (eg. shiatsu, exercise therapies, diet and lifestyle changes as required).
  • Severe bruising that turns yellow or greenish is indicative of overtreatment - lower dosages should be used.
  • - Overdose
  • When an 'overdose' (excessive dosage) is applied, temporary side-effects of dizziness, nausea, turning pale, diminished vision, discomfort in the chest may be felt. An experienced practitioner is less likely to cause these effects. However if they do occur, seek immediate treatment and do not leave the clinic until these effects have disapated.
  • Other side-effects
  • With a very excessive treatment you might also experience excessive fatigue, and feeling drained for days afterward. This is not good for you. After a good treatment you will feel very relaxed, but not 'drained'.