CUPPING

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Cupping is a technique that uses small glass cups as suction devices that are placed on the skin to disperse and break up stagnation and congestion by drawing congested blood up to the surface. 

It is used in areas such as the back, shoulders, and forearms when the muscles are very tight or there is aching pain.  Patients find that it relaxes those areas.  

In dry cupping, the therapist will simply place the suction cups on the skin. In wet cupping, the practitioner will make a small incision on the skin and then apply the suction cup to draw out small amounts of blood.

Once the suction has occurred, the cups can be gently moved across the skin (often referred to as “gliding cupping).  The suction in the cups causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be lightly drawn into the cup. Cupping is much like the inverse of Massage – rather than applying pressure to muscles, it uses gentle pressure to pull them upward. For most patients, this is a particularly relaxing and relieving sensation. 

Cupping often leaves a circular bruise-like mark where the cup was.  Depending on the person, these marks can last from a few days to a couple weeks.

Cupping is a service that is offered as part of your Acupuncture Appointment.