SOME HISTORY…

Cupping was developed thousands of years ago and though the techniques have modernized, the original philosophy and techniques remain the same with numerous benefits to better your health. Although many civilizations in the world have adopted this “in house” medicine, the earliest written evidence was by the Chinese doctors, ancient Egyptians, and even African countries. The original application used horns with a small hole at the top to suck the air out for “suction”. Later earthenware, bamboo, and then glass cups were employed and used with fire to create the suction.

The art of cupping has continued to evolve, around the world and in western countries, and by 2005, when Gwyneth Paltrow revealed her circular cupping marks by wearing a low cut dress in New York at a film festival, cupping therapy got very extensive and unexpected news coverage! Most memorably, when Michael Phelps at the Rio Olympics in 2016 showed up at the pool with red circles on his back, cupping therapy now had seriously widespread exposure!

Now commonplace among athletes of all sports, it has been recognized as having a most positive physiological effect on supporting athletic competitors in relieving muscle pain, promoting blood circulation, supporting strength and stamina, and helping to heal injuries.

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS, HOW DOES CUPPING WORK?

By way of myofascial decompression, cupping works like an inverse massage. The suction from the cup gently (or vigorously), lifts the tissue like a small vacuum, helping to separate and detangle myofascial knots, adhesions, and compression of the tissue layers, thereby stimulating microcirculation and reducing inflammation. This allows the blood nutrition and oxygen to invigorate and repair damaged  tissues, reduce pain, and improve strength, all the while pushing toxins out to the surface to be carried away.

When the stagnant fluids in the tissue are stimulated below the surface of the skin, up to 4” deep, the old, lifeless, blood and lymphatic fluid is pulled to the surface of the skin, appearing as a dark circle remaining for a few days, carried off as waste by your body’s circulatory system. This is not a bruise, for it was not resulting from a trauma-induced event. It is more like a fantastic detoxification of old fluids from the deeper levels that allow new oxygenated blood to breathe new life into exhausted tissues!

WHO CAN DO IT?

Young and old, professional athletes or the everyday sportsperson, patients recovering from illness or injury, adults and even toddlers!

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

There will be a noticeable and immediate increase in mobility, and elimination of most or all pain and stiffness involved in the condition treated. It can help to resolve edema, break up and resolve phlegm in the lungs for a bronchial cough, and will definitely speed up the process of healing. For immune support and athletic endurance and stamina, it helps to support and stimulate the circulatory systems that influence these very attributes.

By breaking up stagnation and tense myofascial tissue, removing old debris, toxins, and lifeless oxygen-spent blood, then helping the body resume proper circulation, Cupping can be effective for infertility, arthritis, migraines, hypertension, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, sciatica, leg/knee pain, plantar faciitis, neck pain, sports injuries, edema, bronchitis, insomnia, dizziness, digestive disorders, neuralgia, asthma, hardened arteries, stiff muscles, common cold, for oncological support, autoimmune conditions, cosmetic and cellulite treatment, weight loss, and much more. Different pressures are appropriate for different conditions. It’s influence is always very beneficial to the nervous system, as well. 

HOW DOES IT FEEL?

Like being squeezed by a large octopus! Surprising at first, and pleasant by the end of the session, this very safe and beneficial treatment is enjoyed by all. By repeating cupping treatments, even a few times per year, you will noticeably continue to improve your results. Generally 5 – 10 sessions achieve the most noticeable benefits.

After your session, please be mindful that you should not be exposed to the cool air for 6-8 hours, as your pores have been opened. Drink 20% more water, and meals should be light for the next 10 days, to assist your body in the detoxification process. The cupping marks, disappear within about a week, are not painful, and are not an injury to the skin, but merely an indication of deeper level detoxification. The darker color will lessen over time with subsequent sessions, as the toxins are released in layers to be dispersed.

CUPPING EQUIPMENT, TYPES OF CUPPING

Pistol handle valve cups have become popular for some practitioners, and there is a convenience factor. They don’t require fire, they’re inexpensive, and most portable. They require pumping by hand with a pistol connected to the valve on a clear Perspex cup. 

Silicone cups have a mild action, soft and gentle to the touch, and are used for facial rejuvenation and cosmetic sessions, also effective for cellulite treatments.

Bamboo cups are rarely used now, but were traditionally used in ancient times. The lack of transparency prohibits observation of the skin and progress of the treatment, and sometimes not as comfortable on the skin.

*Glass cups evolved from earthenware cups, and are favoured for their advantages of practicality with strength of suction, especially with traditional practitioners. Also, they are easier and faster to use, preferred for their comfort, and can be used leaving in place for several minutes, as a “moving” treatment with a lubricant such as oil, or as “flash” cupping where the cups are moved quickly and repeatedly for 30 seconds at a time. The glass cups are always used for fire cupping, and sometimes used for “wet cupping” if bleeding is desired for particularly stubborn fascia tension, acute illness, or painful areas.  Wet cupping is considered extremely effective, especially for acute conditions as sprains & strains.

Many consider cupping (wet or dry) part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine protocol, as it is an integral part of the TCM training along with Moxibustion, Gua Sha, or Tui Na body therapy. Although, there are other complementary and alternative medicine practitioners in the West that practice cupping under their own professional register.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Cupping should not be applied to broken bone areas, or children under 2 years old.