Cupping is a Chinese Medicine used to help improve tissue quality, decrease inflammation and improve blood flow to an area. Glass or silicone cups are suctioned to the skin to create a lifting affect on the skin, helping to release fascial tension.
Cups can remain stationary or glide across the skin by the practitioner. It is typical that cupping commences with gentle gliding techniques to get the client familiar with the feeling of the suction and to prepare the tissue and improve blood flow. This may be followed up by stationary cupping which will target a specific problem area. Stationary cups can be left on for up to 15 minutes at a time. The stationary cups increase blood flow to the area therefore attracting immune cells to the area to increase the recovery and repair process to the injurious tissue. A gradual redness to the skin is a typical response. If the skin becomes dark red/purple as shown below, this indicates poor blood flow to the area and stagnation of muscular toxins contributing to pain and inflammation. If an individual shows a darker coloration response, each session should show improved blood flow and less reactive tissue.
What Are Some Precautions For Cupping?
Cupping therapy is very safe and produces very little side effects when used appropriately. It is crucial for the practitioner to ask proper questions regarding the patient’s past medical history.
- Individuals on blood thinners
- Varicose Veins
- Acute infections
- Pregnancy
- Fracture
- Grade III muscle/tendon injury
- Complete tendon rupture
- Pacemaker (Magnetic Cupping)
- Insulin Monitor (Magnetic Cupping)
How Do I Prepare For Cupping and Ensure Proper Care Post-Cupping?
- Ensure proper hydration before and after treatment
- Avoid excessive heat (sauna, steam room)/cold for 4-6 hours after cupping
- Avoid exercise post-cupping for the remainder of the day
- Avoid other body work (massage, etc.) for 48 hours
- Skin discolorations indicate trapped old blood and toxins within the muscle; discoloration typically resolves within 1-4 days, however may last up to 2 weeks
- Burning sensations may occur, indicating increased blood flow to the area and separation of adhesions in the muscle
- Remove excessive hair
Visual Response to Cupping:
