What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is a technique that involves using small glass, bamboo or plastic cups as suction devices that are placed on the skin. The suction in the cups causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be lightly drawn, or sucked into the cup (creating a temporary cupping mark). For most patients, this is a very relaxing sensation.

The cups come in different sizes and are placed on the body where treatment is needed. They can be applied directly over acupuncture points, along the meridian channels, or on an area where there is pain (such as the back, neck or shoulder).

The cups are generally left in place for about 10 minutes while the patient relaxes. Cupping is often practiced in combination with acupuncture but can also be used as an effective treatment in its own right.

How does Cupping Therapy work?

The suction provided by cupping draws blood to the skin thereby increasing blood flow in the area and helping to bring toxins to the surface so that the body can eliminate them. The increase in blood flow provided by cupping promotes the natural healing response of the body to self-repair and correct.

Like acupuncture, cupping can target the meridian channels – the paths through which life energy flows freely throughout the body. The suctioning effect of cupping can help to balance these channels promoting a smoother free-flowing qi (life force).

Cupping is a great form of deep tissue massage. It has been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues to improve circulation, release toxins, reduce pain and muscle tension, activate the lymphatic system, clear blockages, and balance the internal organs.

You will feel great after a cupping treatment!

What is Cupping Therapy good for?

Cupping can treat many health problems and is often used in combination with Acupuncture. Cupping has many benefits – it increases and stimulates blood flow, helps to remove toxins, improves circulation, relieves pain and removes heat from the body.

Below are some of the more common symptoms cupping can help with.

Back pain

Cupping can be a great therapy for back pain (lower back, middle back and upper back pain) and is often a very effective, and soothing remedy for this common problem.

Stiff neck/shoulders

Modern day living, the mental stresses that can come with it and incorrect physical posture (often caused by long periods at office desks or being hunched over laptops) contribute to stiff neck and shoulder problems. Cupping improves blood flow and stimulates the flow of qi to these areas of stagnation that cause pain.

Joint pain

Cupping can be used on the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle joints to treat pain, inflammation and discomfort.

Common cold

Cupping can effectively nip a common cold in the bud by literally sucking the pathogen from the body. The cups are placed on the upper back and can clear congestion and any aches and pains that come with the common cold.

Cough

Want to get rid of that lingering cough? Cups may be applied to the upper back and lower back to directly treat the lungs and the kidneys (organs which influence coughing in Traditional Chinese Medicine). Cupping treatment can be extremely effective for the lungs and associated respiratory conditions.

Abdominal pain

Cupping over the abdomen can help relieve pain that is associated with digestive disorders or gynecology (period pain). Abdominal pain may be caused by stagnation of blood and/or accumulation of damp and with correct diagnosis cupping can help to relieve discomfort.

Fatigue

Cupping can boost energy levels considerably. Just one cupping session can improve circulation, boost blood flow, remove toxins and rejuvenate the tissues, lymph and Qi throughout the body.

Cupping can also help with:

• Skin disorders
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Migraines
• Rheumatic diseases
• Circulation problems
• Varicose veins

Cupping is a specialised technique and is contraindicated in certain cases. Our therapists at Health in the Bay can determine if cupping is suitable following the diagnosis of each specific case.